PROVERBS 1
Goldberg: The teachings of
Chapters
1-9 are considered: to understand the goal of wisdom in her outreach; why
the fruits of wisdom are so important; how the disciple can be wise in the
ways of the Lord, as well as in the practicalities of life; the burden the
father carries in his spiritual leadership of the family; the call for
chastity, with good instruction in how to avoid the temptation of
immorality; the abundant folly we run into and how we can avoid it; and
why and how we should respond to the call of wisdom to avoid "folly's
cursed crumbs."
Lane: Job and Ecclesiastes are speculative wisdom, for they
investigate why things are as they are and how we can make sense of them.
Proverbs is practical wisdom, showing us what we can do to get on in this
puzzling world without losing our way and ending in disaster. Whether or
not we ever come to solve the problems aired in the other two books, we
can still come to terms with this world. We don't have to opt out and
spend the whole of our lives thinking. We can get on with living in the
real world, conquer our limitations and get along with other people. No
book gives us more help in this than Proverbs.
House and Durham: By God's grace, the book of Proverbs enables each
of us to have God's insight on how to live lives that will glorify Him;
how to build up others; and how to be at peace with ourselves. Following
its precepts will bring success in business and in the home. Through
heeding its advice, we can avoid those regrettable pitfalls that can make
life so difficult. If we listen to God's wisdom, we will experience joy
and laughter rather than feeling the sorrow and despair that are so much a
part of those who heed the "spirit of the age." Proverbs speaks to every
area of life we will ever encounter. No stone is left unturned; no path
not taken. The only issue in question is whether we will consider its ways
and follow its advice.
Stedman: Life is simply too big for us to handle by ourselves. No
matter how good the advice seems to be, if it isn't consistent with what
God has told us, it is not to be trusted. And that is the conclusion that
is reached through these opening chapters. Chapters 8 and 9 personify the
two ways of life. Wisdom is seen as a beautiful woman, calling those who
follow her to come away into the place of victory and achievement and
success in life, while folly, or foolishness, which thinks everything it
does is right in its own eyes, is personified as an evil woman --
attractive, alluring, tempting us to step aside into death. It is a
marvelously-beautiful poetic passage.
Mouser: Two mistakes Christians make in interpreting proverbs: 1)
Some Christians read the proverbs as if they were inflexible laws of God's
creation, admitting no exceptions and 2) Christians will sometimes confuse
proverbs with promises... However, proverbs in Solomon's collection are
not promises made by God, but are guides which are to direct people in
living successful and productive lives. (All
of the above are from
Paul Apple's introduction to proverbs)
Proverbs 1:1
J R Miller
Proverbs 1:1
Solomon learned a great deal by experience. He put all the resources of
this world to the test to see just what they would do for man. His
proverbs are not, therefore, mere bits of theory, like many wise words we
see; they were all wrought out in the crucible of actual experience.
Some of his words mark dangers: "Don't turn this way!" Some of them point
to the safe path: "This is the way!" Whatever he found in life he set down
here for the benefit of those who would come after.
It is wonderful, too, at how many points these proverbs touch life, and
how intensely practical they are. To ponder them and to follow their
instruction is to live well and grandly.
It is wonderful also that while Solomon himself wandered so far from God,
there is not in all his writings a single word that excuses his sins.
Everywhere he points away from the wrong path and to the right.
Proverbs 1:5
Wise Counsel
I'll never
forget Jake. His legs seemed too thin and spindly to hold him against the
current of the river. His patched and discolored waders looked older than
he was. His fishing vest was tattered and held together with safety pins;
his ancient hat was battered and sweat-stained; his antiquated fly rod was
scarred and taped.
I watched as he worked his way upstream to a patch of quiet water and
began to cast. Then I took notice! He was fishing the same water I had
fished earlier in the day and catching trout where I had caught none. Here
was a man who could teach me a thing or two. All I had to do was ask.
We gain insight when we listen to those who have gone before and who know
more than we do—insight we miss when our pride stands in the way. We're
able to learn from others when we humble ourselves and acknowledge how
little we know. Willingness to learn is a mark of those who are truly
wise.
Consider our Lord as a young boy, "sitting in the midst of the teachers,
both listening to them and asking them questions" (Luke 2:46). Proverbs
1:5 says that "a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of
understanding will attain wise counsel." Let's ask questions of those
who've spent their lives seeking God's wisdom. —David H. Roper (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
There's so much wisdom to be learned,
So many ways for me to grow,
Lord, I would listen like a child,
And learn what You would have me know. —K. De Haan
If you think you know everything, you have a lot to learn
Proverbs 1:5
J R Miller
The wise man never ceases to be a learner. He never gets to a point where
he feels satisfied with his attainments.
Many a man, who starts out with great promise in early life, by and by
loses his energy and fails of his early hope, because in the elation of
his first successes he stopped learning, and then growth was at an end,
and when growth stops decay begins.
An old artist had for his motto: "Nulla dies sine linea" (No day without a
line). Every day he would add one line, at least, to his knowledge and
attainment.
There could be no better motto for any life, young or old. Every day we
should learn something we did not know before, add some new fact to our
store of knowledge. Every day we should get some new lesson into our life,
learn at some point to live better.
This applies to secular life - there should be daily progress in the
business or profession we pursue. It also needs to apply to spiritual life
- no day should be without its added line of likeness to Christ.
Proverbs 1:1-7
Fear Escape
In our increasingly dangerous world,
think of what we have to fear: Ominous terrorist threats, frightening
crime rates, increasing natural disasters, sobering energy crises, . . .
God.
Yes, God. Ironic, isn’t it, that in a world full of fearful things, the
single source of our refuge and safety is also the One we are instructed
to fear?
Consider Solomon’s words: “In the fear of the Lord there is strong
confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge” (Prov. 14:26).
Then look at the next verse: “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.”
We try to avoid life’s fearful things because they interrupt our peace.
Yet we are told to move toward fear—the fear of God. For those who “fear
the Lord, . . . He is their help and their shield” (Ps. 115:11).
Our faith in God can deliver us from the fears of the world (Ps. 23:4)—but
only because our faith relies on a fear that is different from worldly
fear. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever
trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
To fear God is to sense His awesomeness. When we acknowledge that
greatness and trust in Him, we no longer want to sin against Him. He
becomes our refuge from the fears of this world. In Him we find peace.
—Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then
Have nothing else to fear;
Make you His service your delight;
Your wants shall be His care. —Tate & Brady
Those who fear God need not fear the world
Proverbs 1:7
In God's Presence
As a farm boy in North Dakota, I
often had a sense of awe when I looked at the sky on a clear day or when I
listened to the rolling thunder of an approaching storm. God seemed so
great, and I felt so small. I often had the same feeling when I entered
the church sanctuary or heard my father pray. Today, though, I admit that
at times I tend to be quite casual when I think of God, pray, study the
Bible, or engage in worship.
When we assemble to worship, sing, pray, and listen to the message, we
often do these things half-heartedly and with little sense of the fear of
God. Ecclesiastes 5 speaks to those issues and warns us not to make
promises to God carelessly and superficially!
We are inclined to hear only part of what God is saying to us through His
Word. But genuine hearing includes careful listening accompanied by
obedience. Unkept vows are also a serious matter (vv.2,4-6). Just as many
dreams have no basis in reality, the careless speech of the fool in God's
presence is empty (vv.3,7).
Always keep in mind how great and holy God is, and how small and sinful we
are. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. This solemn contemplation of the
Lord's character will help us obey the admonition to "fear God" (v.7).
—Herbert Vander Lugt (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
A house of worship is a place
For praise and reverent prayer;
Let holy thoughts your spirit fill
Each time you enter there. --Bosch
The fear of God is the beginning of true worship
Proverbs 1:7
J R Miller
You may set down six ciphers - 000,000 - and they count for nothing; but
if you put a five or any figure before them they all count - 5,000,000.
Human knowledge alone only adds up a row of ciphers. A young man goes
through his medical or law school and is graduated with honors, a learned
man, but not yet a Christian. His acquirements make only a long row of
ciphers. These will be elements of power if he only gets in before them
something that counts. Then he gives himself to Christ, consecrates all
his attainments to Him, and every one of his acquirements assumes a high
value. He has written a figure before the row of ciphers, and 000,000,000
has become 6,000,000,000.
The more a man knows, the more of a man he is, if he loves, reverences,
and obeys God. But this is the first thing in all true wisdom. Not to have
it, is to make failure out of life; and the greater the other acquirements
the greater the failure.
Proverbs 1:19
In an article for Newsweek, David
Gates wrote: “It’s the nature of addiction to sneak up on you in
apparently harmless increments: during the initial stages, life would be
about right if you could just add on that two-car garage. Toward the
middle, it seems a little hard if you can’t have a Lexus and Boxster in
it. Near the end you’ve got a Learjet and life is still
intolerable.—Newsweek, July 29, 2002, p. 37
Proverbs 1:20-33
A Storm Is Coming!
We were in a small boat on the far
side of the lake and the fish were biting when we heard a rumble of
thunder in the distance. Looking up, we saw a mass of dark clouds in the
west.
I ignored the suggestion of my fishing partner that it might be wise to
start back to the cottage—I wanted to keep fishing. Then it happened! The
storm was suddenly upon us. We tried to start the motor but it wouldn't
go! My friend tried to row, but the rain came in sheets and the waves
tossed our little aluminum boat. We survived, but I learned a lesson.
Don't delay when a storm is brewing.
Another type of storm is coming—a day of judgment. It may seem far off,
and you don't feel you have to hurry to prepare. You may be in good health
and in the prime of life. But listen, the storm may come upon you
unexpectedly.
Proverbs 1 says that disaster will strike the person who foolishly ignores
all warnings (v.27). And the author of Hebrews warned, "It is appointed
for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (9:27).
To heed God's warnings is true wisdom. Have you sought shelter in Christ?
If you haven't, it's time to stop "fishing" and seek safety before it's
too late. Turn from your sin to Christ. Do so today.—Mart De Haan
Oh, turn to Christ while still you may;
Too late, it soon will be—
A glorious life you then will have
Throughout eternity. —Anon.
Those who reject Christ as Savior will face Him as Judge
Proverbs 1:33
Spurgeon - Morning and evening
Divine love is rendered conspicuous when it shines in the midst of
judgments. Fair is that lone star which smiles through the rifts of the
thunder clouds; bright is the oasis which blooms in the wilderness of
sand; so fair and so bright is love in the midst of wrath. When the
Israelites provoked the Most High by their continued idolatry, he punished
them by withholding both dew and rain, so that their land was visited by a
sore famine; but while he did this, he took care that his own chosen ones
should be secure. If all other brooks are dry, yet shall there be one
reserved for Elijah; and when that fails, God shall still preserve for him
a place of sustenance; nay, not only so, the Lord had not simply one
“Elijah,” but he had a remnant according to the election of grace, who
were hidden by fifties in a cave, and though the whole land was subject to
famine, yet these fifties in the cave were fed, and fed from Ahab’s table
too by His faithful, God-fearing steward, Obadiah. Let us from this draw
the inference, that come what may, God’s people are safe. Let convulsions
shake the solid earth, let the skies themselves be rent in twain, yet amid
the wreck of worlds the believer shall be as secure as in the calmest hour
of rest. If God cannot save his people under heaven, he will save them in
heaven. If the world becomes too hot to hold them, then heaven shall be
the place of their reception and their safety. Be ye then confident, when
ye hear of wars, and rumours of wars. Let no agitation distress you, but
be quiet from fear of evil. Whatsoever cometh upon the earth, you, beneath
the broad wings of Jehovah, shall be secure. Stay yourself upon his
promise; rest in his faithfulness, and bid defiance to the blackest
future, for there is nothing in it direful for you. Your sole concern
should be to show forth to the world the blessedness of hearkening to the
voice of wisdom.
Proverbs 1:33a
Quiet from fear of evil.
Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily
“Whoso.” This promise is to us all.
To the man in the street, as much as for those of us who have been
nurtured in Christian homes.
The evil is taken out of things for
those whose hearts are full of God. Nothing which God allows to come to us
is really evil, except sin. Put away sin from your heart, and let it be
filled with Love and Faith, and behold all things will become new. They
will lose their evil semblance, because you will look at them with new
eyes. Men talk against the March wind; but when they understand that it is
cleansing fetid dens of fever-germs, they regard it as a blessing. Men
dread change, anything unwonted or unaccustomed; but when they find that,
like the transplanted fruit-tree, they will often attain a greater
maturity than when left to one spot of soil, they welcome it. If you look
at things apart from God, especially if you anticipate the future without
Him, you have good cause for fear; but if you hearken to and obey Him, if
you know and love Him, if you abide in God and God in you, you will see
that the evil is not in the things or events, but in yourself. Give
yourself as alms to God, and lo, all things will become clean to you.
Death shall lose its terrors, and
become the Father’s servant, ushering you into his presence. Pain and
suffering shall but cast into relief the stars of Divine promise. Poverty
will have no pangs, and storm no alarms. You shall become so habituated to
find the rarest blessings associated with what men often dread most, that
you will be quiet from all fear of evil, and able to look out, with serene
and untroubled heart, on a sea of troubles. In fact, it is very doubtful
if anything is really evil for those who love God.
PROVERBS
2
Proverbs 2
Searching For A Rare Jewel
When Betty Goldstein of Staten
Island, New York, entered the hospital, her husband Ron wrapped her
3.5-carat diamond ring in a napkin for safekeeping. But in a forgetful
moment, the 63-year-old Goldstein threw the napkin in the trash. When he
realized his mistake, he dashed outside, only to see the garbage truck
rumbling down the street. So he called the local sanitation department and
got permission to follow the truck to a transfer station. Workers began
sorting through hundreds of garbage bags and recovered the ring an hour
later.
The writer of Proverbs urges us to search diligently for something far
more precious—wisdom. In chapter 2, a father encourages his son to do
whatever is necessary to get insight and wisdom. This strenuous search for
wisdom is actually a search for God Himself (vv.3-5). In fact, inner
happiness comes when man attains this wisdom (3:13). He encourages his son
to search diligently for this rare jewel because wisdom is not usually
discovered by the casual observer. Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only
by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it.
Let us devote our whole being to searching for that rare jewel of wisdom.
—Marvin Williams (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
More valuable than diamonds rare
Is priceless wisdom from above;
With purest gold it can’t compare
Because it’s filled with truth and love. —D. De Haan
With all your getting, get understanding. —Solomon
Proverbs 2:1-6
Seek And You Will Find
Justin Martyr was a second-century
man who eagerly sought for truth. He read the Greek classical writers,
examining and analyzing every philosophy from all sides. He sought
insight, especially the answer to his longings for sexual purity. But
every effort was in vain. He wrote, "All at last did faithless prove, and
late or soon betrayed love."
One day, aimlessly wandering on the seashore, he met an elderly man who
spoke to his heart as no one had ever spoken before. He pointed him to God
through Jesus Christ, and in that simple witness Justin found the
knowledge he had sought all his life—"the knowledge of God" (Proverbs
2:4-5).
Perhaps you, like Justin Martyr, are searching for insight, looking
everywhere for the answer to your longing for truth. You've read widely
and thought earnestly about life, but you can find no answers that satisfy
the deep needs of your soul. If so, read the Gospels, the first four books
of the New Testament. As you read, cry out to God for understanding. He
will hear you, and you too will find the knowledge of God through Jesus
Christ (John 17:3).
God doesn't force truth on those who don't want it, but He hears the
earnest cries of those who request it. As Jesus said, "Ask, and you will
receive" (John 16:24). —David H. Roper (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Look not to reason's arguments
If God you seek to find;
Look only to His holy Word,
For sin has made us blind. —D. De Haan
To find truth, look to Christ.
Proverbs 2:1-9
Treasure Hunter
Mel Fisher was a treasure hunter who
searched for gold and found it. In 1985, after 16 years of looking, he
finally discovered the Spanish wreck Nuestra Se-ora de Atocha in 55 feet
of water near Key West, Florida. His divers salvaged millions of dollars'
worth of treasure from that sunken ship--but it didn't come easy. They
toiled long and hard with metal detectors, diving to investigate every
metallic "hit." Fisher's dreams and work eventually paid off when he came
upon his big find.
The Bible describes another kind of treasure as being more precious than
gold, silver, or rubies (Prov. 3:14-15). It is wisdom, which is more than
knowledge. It's the ability to apply that knowledge to everyday life.
Solomon, who asked God for a wise and understanding heart, told us in
Proverbs 2 to seek for wisdom with the same persistence and intensity as
we would search for hidden treasures (v.4). We must cry out for
discernment and understanding (v.3), incline our ear to wisdom (v.2), and
receive God's words and treasure them in our heart (v.1).
Do we value wisdom? Do we seek it as diligently as if it were gold? If so,
we will be rewarded with life's greatest treasure--the knowledge of God.
—Mart De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
What will it profit when life here is o'er,
Though great worldly wisdom I gain,
If seeking knowledge I utterly fail
The wisdom of God to obtain? --Nelson
You can gain much knowledge on your own, but true wisdom comes only from
God.
Proverbs 2:1-9a
Digging For Treasure
Profitable Bible study involves more
than just opening to a chapter and reading what's there. Here are seven
guidelines to help you make the most of your study of the Bible.
Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you'll neglect it.
Before you start reading, ask God
for help and understanding.
Carefully think about what you are
reading. Not all of the Bible's treasures lie like pebbles on the surface.
To mine the gold, you have to dig.
Seek to understand what the author
was saying to the first people who read the book or letter before you
decide how to apply it today.
Write down at least one truth or
principle you can put into practice.
Try different translations of the
Bible. If you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new
translation may focus your mind on the passage in a new way.
Don't get discouraged. Some parts of
the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not
understand at all. But there's enough that you can understand, and it will
revolutionize your life if you apply it.
Now read today's verses again with
these principles in mind. Then try it again tomorrow. You will begin to
discover the treasures in the Bible. —Haddon W. Robinson
When reading God's Word, take special care
To find the rich treasures hidden there;
Give thought to each line, each precept clear,
Then practice it well with godly fear. -Anon.
The Bible's treasures are found by those who dig for them
Proverbs 2:1-9b
Discover The Treasures
Profitable Bible study involves more
than just opening to a chapter and reading what's there. Here are six
guidelines to help you make the most of your study of the Bible.
1. Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you'll neglect it.
2. Before you start reading, ask God for help and understanding.
3. Carefully think about what you are reading. The treasures of the Bible
seldom lie like pebbles on the surface. To mine the gold, you have to dig.
4. Before you decide what a passage means to you, try to understand what
the author was saying to the original readers.
5. Write down at least one truth or principle you can put into practice.
6. Don't get discouraged. Some parts of the Bible are difficult to
understand, but there's much that you can understand. And if you apply
what you've learned, it will revolutionize your life.
Now read today's passage from
Proverbs 2 again, keeping these principles in mind. Then use this method
whenever you study God's Word. If you do, you will begin to discover the
treasures of the Bible.—Haddon W. Robinson (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine,
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there. —Hodder
Gems of truth are found in the Bible—but you must dig for them.
Proverbs 2:1-12
One Tough Job
The comment from Joe, my son's
tennis coach, surprised me. We had just talked about which group of tennis
players Steve should practice with, and Joe must have sensed my concern
for doing the right thing for my son. Realizing that this was just one
small decision I had to make as I tried to guide him, Joe said, "Being a
parent must be really hard work."
Indeed it can be. Dedicated parents spend much of their time supporting,
encouraging, instructing, protecting, and challenging their children. And
sometimes all that steering and urging seems futile when the child starts
to veer off course. That's when being a parent is "really hard work." If
you find yourself there, perhaps some biblical parent-child principles can
help.
One portion of Scripture that provides great instruction is Proverbs 2.
Although addressing the son, this passage can also serve as a guide to
what parents should teach their children. According to this passage,
children must be taught to treasure God's commands (v.1), to call out for
understanding (v.3), to grasp what it means to fear the Lord (v.5), and to
practice God's wisdom in their lives (v.6).
When these things become part of a child's life, the parents' job will get
a little easier. —Dave Branon
Your privilege is beyond all price—
Worth more than silver, gold, or fame—
To guide with love and sacrifice
And write on children's hearts God's name. —Anon.
A godly parent is a child's best guide to God
Proverbs 2:4–5
If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures, etc.
Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily
There is a beautiful illustration of
the truth of these words in the life of Justin the Martyr, who died for
the Gospel in the second century. As a young man he earnestly sought for
truth, specially that which would arm him with self-control. He took up
one system of philosophy after another, trying them as a man might explore
mine after mine for silver. Finally, he found that every effort was
futile.
“All at last did faithless prove, And, late or soon, betrayed my love.”
At length, wandering in despair on
the seashore, he met an aged man, a Christian, who spake as none had ever
done to his heart, and pointed him to God in Christ. Beneath those words,
that afternoon, he understood the fear of the Lord, and found the
knowledge of God.
Thomas longed for evidences of the
Resurrection, and Christ came to him. The Chamberlain, as he sat in his
chariot reading the book of Esaias the Prophet at Isaiah 53, was desirous
to know the truth, and Philip was sent to him. To Saul of Tarsus, groping
in the midnight, there came fuller revelations than ever Gamaliel gave,
through Stephen and Ananias, led by the Spirit of God.
But you must be prepared to
sacrifice all. He who seeks diamonds, or pearls, or gold, will leave his
native land, and what other men hold dear, and centre his whole attention
on hi quest. Not otherwise must it be with those who would understand the
fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. They must be willing to
count all things but loss, to sell all they have, in order to buy the
field with its treasure-trove.
Illustration - A man was out
walking in the desert when a voice said to him, “Pick up some pebbles and
put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both sorry and glad.”
The man obeyed. He stooped down and picked up a handful of pebbles and put
them in his pocket. The next morning he reached into his pocket and found
diamonds and rubies and emeralds. And he was both glad and sorry. Glad
that he had taken some—sorry that he hadn’t taken more. And so it is with
God’s word.
Proverbs 2:6
ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR WISDOM?
Often we hear people question the wisdom of those in authority over us.
It's easy to point an accusing finger at government officials, bosses,
pastors, teachers, or board members and say they are unfit to lead. I
reality, though, we're focusing out attention in the wrong place. Instead
of being critical of others, we need to make sure wisdom is present in our
own lives.
But how do we get such wisdom? First, we need a "fear of the Lord" and a
"knowledge of the Holy One" (Prov. 9:10). The best way to acquire this
knowledge is by reading God's Word. We must also ask the Lord for His help
if we are to gain wisdom. James wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let
him ask of God" (1:5). Just as Solomon asked God for wisdom to help him
lead (1 Ki. 3:9) , so we must constantly rely on the Lord if we are to
walk a godly path. Proverbs 10 tells us that when we are wise we will
bring joy to our parents (v.1), we will work in a timely manner (v.5), and
we will know how to accept authority (v.8).
The next time you're tempted to criticize someone, think twice. Ask God to
help you examine your own heart. The ask yourself, "Am I searching for the
wisdom God's Word promises?" - J D Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Give to me Your insight, Lord,
As I read Your Word today,
So I'll truely understand
Your message and Your way. -- Monroe
We won't have time to find fault with others if we're busy seeking wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6a
ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR WISDOM?
Often we hear people question the wisdom of those in authority over us.
It's easy to point an accusing finger at government officials, bosses,
pastors, teachers, or board members and say they are unfit to lead. I
reality, though, we're focusing out attention in the wrong place. Instead
of being critical of others, we need to make sure wisdom is present in our
own lives.
But how do we get such wisdom? First, we need a "fear of the Lord" and a
"knowledge of the Holy One" (Prov. 9:10). The best way to acquire this
know ledge is by reading God's Word. We must also ask the Lord for His
help if we are to gain wisdom. James wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God" (1:5). Just as Solomon asked God for wisdom to help
him lead (1 Ki 3:9), so we must constantly rely on the Lord if we are to
walk a godly path. Proverbs 10 tells us that when we are wise we will
bring joy to our parents (v.1), we will work in a timely manner (v.5), and
we will know how to accept authority (v.8).
The next time you're tempted to criticize someone, think twice. Ask God to
help you examine your own heart. The ask yourself, "Am I searching for the
wisdom God's Word promises?" - J D Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Give to me Your insight, Lord,
As I read Your Word today,
So I'll truely understand
Your message and Your way. -- Monroe
We won't have time to find fault with others if we're busy seeking wisdom.
Proverbs 2:10-11
REAL MOTIVATION!
"When wisdom enters your heart...discretion will preserve you."
Toward the close of World War II, Allied forces were mopping up against
remaining Nazi resistance. One particular unit was assigned a crucial
mission in Berlin. Each soldier had to memorize a map detailing all of
Berlin's important military sites -- and they had to do it in a single
night! In just a few hours, each solider in the unit had committed the map
to memory. The mission was a success.
Several years later, the Army conducted an experiment to see if that
original feat could be duplicated. They offered a similar unit an extra
week's furlough -- an attractive incentive -- if they could carry out a
comparable mission without a hitch.
But the second unit could not match
the success of the first. What made the difference? The lives of men were
not at stake. Surviving in battle was a greater motivation than a week's
vacation.
Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10-18). Our road map,
our plan of strategy against Satan's military strongholds, is the Bible.
The more we read it, the more effective we will be for God.
We must approach God's Word as if our lives depended on it -- because they
do. That's real motivation!-- Haddon W. Robinson (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Thy Word is like an armory,
Where soldiers may repair,
And find, for life's long battle-day,
All needful weapons there.-- Hodder
If your life depended on knowing the Bible, how long would you last?
Proverbs 2:20
THE SECRET OF THE INNER WAY
F. B. Meyer. Our Daily Walk
THIS CHAPTER abounds in references to the Way and Path. Walk occurs three
times, paths seven, and ways five. Here we read of the way or path by
which good and righteous men have preceded us. The old Christian mystics
were fond of talking of the inward way and its various stages. They said
that God was alone the centre and satisfaction of the human soul, that we
must advance along the pathway traversed by holy souls before us until we
have realised the motto of Monica: "Life in God and union there."
True knowledge of God and union with
Him are only to be attained by those who will not shrink before the perils
and steepness of the strait gate and narrow way. It is not necessary to
leave the body to reach the inner secret of God. The path may be trodden
on this side of the grave. Stony and steep it may be, but when it climbs
the crest, and the whole glory of the heavens is in view, the soul is
satisfied. In the attainment of true wisdom God is willing, yea, eager to
give, but we must be sincere and earnest in our desire to obtain (Prov.
2:1-9). Notice the many words that are employed to stir up our search.
Receive! Hide! Incline the ear and apply the heart! The treasures of God,
like those of the mine, do not lie on the surface, but no labour is more
profitable. Our Heavenly Father not only gives good things to them that
ask Him, but He becomes our Shield and Buckler, our Protector and Guide
(Prov. 2:7-8).
These are the stages of the inner
Way, which the saints have trodden before us: Detachment from the
ambitions, passions and sins of nature; Attachment, i.e., the attitude of
fellowship with Christ; Illumination, which reveals to the soul its
unworthiness; Union with God. This is the experience of few, but they who
have described it remind us that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, what
God's Spirit reveals to those who love and wait for Him. But you must be
prepared to sacrifice all. He who seeks diamonds, or gold, will face
hardships and relinquish much that other men hold dear, that he may
prosecute his quest. Not otherwise must it be with those who would
understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
PRAYER - Make us more conscious, O Lord, we beseech Thee, of the
indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit: may He witness within us that in spite of
our sin we are still Thy children: may He enable us to mortify the deeds
of the body, and to reckon ourselves dead to the solicitations of the
flesh. AMEN.
PROVERBS
3
Proverbs 3:1-18
They're After Our Children
Advertisers are after our young
people. They are increasingly targeting their messages to children.
Because of the strong influence they have on the purchasing habits of
their parents, and because they have an increasing buying power of their
own, millions of dollars are being spent to get their attention. People in
the advertising business are convinced that a young, satisfied consumer
could become a lifelong customer—eager to buy their products far into the
future.
In a similar way, we need to be influencing our young people to "buy into"
the good things God has in store for them throughout all of life.
According to Proverbs 3, some fantastic possibilities lie ahead for the
young person who chooses God's way: long life and peace (v.2), favor in
the sight of God and man (v.4), direction from God (v.6), health and
strength (v.8), abundance (v.10), happiness (v.13). The person who trusts,
honors, and fears the Lord finds wisdom—an incomparable prize (v.15).
The world spends millions convincing our children that they can't be happy
without a certain kind of shoe. How much more we have to offer them by
showing them that happiness comes by walking with God! —Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
We can help our precious children
Follow in God's way,
Living out our faith with gladness,
Praying every day. —Sper
What we leave in our children is more important than what we leave to them
Proverbs 3:1-12
A Huge Difference
Hear, my son...I have taught you in the way of wisdom. --Proverbs 4:10-11
One is my son's doctor. Another is a
popular local TV personality. Several are parents of children who go to
school with my son and daughter. Another is well known in the Christian
music industry. Some are missionaries. Others work with me at RBC
Ministries.
Who are these people? They are students who attended the high school where
I taught and where my children have gone to school.
My son Steve and I were looking at names and photos in some old yearbooks
not long ago. As I pointed out where those students are today, I was
struck by the power of potential.
Who knew what would become of those young people my fellow teachers and I
asked to do book reports, diagram sentences, or run sprints and make free
throws on the basketball court? But now, with their pathway through life
partially complete, I can see that many of them have trusted the Lord and
are seeking to honor Him, realizing much of their God-given potential.
In light of Proverbs 3, it's awesome to contemplate what can become of
today's youth. If they are taught to walk according to God's wisdom, use
the skills He has given them, and follow His leading, they can make a huge
difference in whatever future the Lord has in store. —JDB —Dave Branon
O Lord of all the upward road,
Keep strong our youth, we pray;
May age and youth together seek
To follow in Thy way. —Niedermeyer
We shape tomorrow's world by what we teach our children today.
Proverbs 3:1-6
Lost In The Fog
The fog was as thick as pea soup.
Visibility was limited to a few feet, and the lake was as smooth as glass.
The only sound to break the silence was the laughing of a loon across the
lake.
I rowed for an hour around the shore, trying to catch fish in different
areas, but the fish weren't biting! So I decided to go back to my cabin
for a cup of coffee. I was at the mouth of a small inlet, which I knew was
directly across the lake from the cottage. So I set out across the lake on
a straight course (I thought) toward the dock.
The minutes went by—and after an hour I was surprised when I arrived back
at the mouth of the little stream from which I started. I had been going
in a circle in the fog. I was so sure I knew where I was going, but after
an hour I had gotten nowhere! If I had only taken my compass—instead of
relying on my own sense of direction.
Proverbs 3:5 comes to mind: "Lean not on your own understanding." Without
the Lord as your guide through the fog of life, and His Word as your
compass, you will wander aimlessly.
So be sure to make Proverbs 3:6 your lifelong motto: "In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."—Mart De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
My Lord is ever with me
Along life's busy way;
I'll trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day. —Anon.
To avoid going wrong, follow God's leading.
Proverbs 3:1-10
Our Daily Bread
Many Christians equate God's leading
with an overriding feeling or an inner impression. These strong
inclinations, however, are not necessarily proof of God's direction. John
Hibben, former president of Princeton University, once invited a guest to
dinner. Mr. Buchman, an eccentric believer in divine guidance, arrived
late and brought along three uninvited guests. When Buchman shook hands
with Mrs. Hibben, he said,
"The Lord told me to bring these three other men to dinner, too."
Mrs. Hibben, not expecting added company, replied,
"Oh, I don't think the Lord had anything to do with it."
"Why not?" retorted Buchman.
"Because," responded Mrs. Hibben, "God is a gentleman."
Mrs. Hibben knew something about God and His ways that Buchman had
overlooked.
This exchange raises an important question about the primary source for
divine guidance. Strong impressions will come to us, but we must always
test them to be sure they are in line with God's revealed will. They must
never run contrary to what is true and right. Studying Scripture passages
in their context gives us discernment, and meditating on them helps us to
evaluate our feelings honestly.
In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer cautions,
"Feelings with an ego-boosting, or escapist, or self-indulging, or
self-aggrandizing base must be detected and discredited, not mistaken for
guidance."
That's good counsel—especially since we have a lamp for our feet, and a
light for our path. —D. J. De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Feelings are no substitute for facts and faith.
Proverbs 3:5
O God, Why?
Several years ago, the growing
season had been unusually good in eastern Michigan. Farmers were elated at
the thought of their potential profits. Then, just before harvest, the
rains came--and stayed.
Potatoes rotted in the ground; beans molded in their pods. The entire
harvest season remained wet. Anticipation of a record yield quickly faded.
One discouraged farmer was quoted as saying, "You ask yourself, 'Why? What
have we done wrong?'"
People have always asked why when faced with reversal and hardship. Their
question is significant because it reflects the fact that nothing happens
by chance. God is in control. Neither Satan nor man can go any further
than is allowed by the Almighty.
The story of Job, however, makes it clear that we should not become too
preoccupied with the question why. God's reasons are often kept to
Himself. He may hold them high above our understanding and far beyond our
natural field of vision in order to develop our faith. Our response to
trouble should be like that of Job at the beginning and at the end of his
problems (Job 2:10; 42:1-6).
Obediently trust God in your circumstances--even when you can't understand
what He's doing. —Mart De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
When through life's darkened maze I go
And troubles overwhelm my soul,
O grant me, Lord, Your grace to know
That You are surely in control. --DJD
When God conceals His purposes, He consoles with His promises.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Directions From Above
During a visit to Chicago, I stayed
on the 25th floor of a downtown hotel. As I gazed out the window, I was
fascinated by the maze of cars flowing four lanes abreast in opposite
directions.
One motorist faced an emergency. He had engine trouble and was stalled in
the middle of all that traffic. From my vantage point I could see for
blocks. I watched several drivers switch into the same lane as the stalled
auto, unaware of what was ahead. Thinking they were gaining time, these
motorists were actually crossing over into a lane that would only spell
greater delay.
As we travel along life's road, we do much the same as those misguided
drivers. With our limited foresight we select the route that seems
best—only to find that the temporary advance has led us into a course
filled with delay and heartache. But how reassuring that we can look to
One who is above everything, who knows the end from the beginning! This is
why the writer of Proverbs could say, "In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:6). When the Lord indicates a
"stop" or a "change of lanes" or a "wait," we should gladly obey.
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Yes, look for direction from above. —Richard De Haan
He leadeth me! O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. —Gilmore
The best way to know God's will is to say "I will" to God
Proverbs 3:6
He shall direct thy paths.
Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily
Thy paths! Then, every man’s path is
distinct for him, and for no other. The paths may lie side by side, but
they are different. They have converged; they may diverge. When Peter had
been told of the rugged nature of the predestined path which was marked
out for him in the Providence of God, he turned towards John, his
companion and friend, and said to Jesus, “What shall this man do?” The
Lord instantly replied, in effect: “That is a matter in which I can brook
no interference; it is entirely a matter for my choice and will; if I
will, it may be that he shall tarry till I come.”
We need to be divinely directed. —
The man who stands above the maze can direct you through all its labyrinth
by the readiest path. God who made thee for thy life, and thy life for
thee, can direct thee, and He only.
First: Lean not to thine own
understanding. — One is apt to pride oneself on one’s far-sighted
judgment. We consult our maps and guides and the opinions of fellow-travellers,
to find ourselves at fault. We have to learn that our own understanding is
not keen enough or wise enough to direct; we must abjure and renounce all
dependence on it.
Second: In all thy ways acknowledge
Him. — Let thine eye he single; thy one aim to please Him; thy sole
motive, his glory. It is marvellous how certainly and delightfully our way
opens before us when we no longer look down on it, or around at others,
but simply upwards into the face of Christ. “It is a universal law,
unalterable as the nature of God, that no created being can be truly holy,
useful, or happy, who is knowingly and deliberately out of the Divine
fellowship, for a single moment.”
Proverbs 3:7
Our Daily Bread
A cartoon in a New York newspaper
depicted a young woman garbed in cap and gown, holding a diploma. With her
head held high, she looks down her nose at Mr. World. "Well, what do we
have here?" Mr. World asks in his cold, cruel, cynical way. "Certainly you
know who I am. Cecelia Shakespeare Doaks, a graduate of Prestige College.
I have my A.B." "How sad," replies Mr. World. "Come with me and I'll teach
you the rest of the alphabet."
We wouldn't disparage the graduate for learning, nor downplay the desire
to pursue an education. But four years of classroom instruction, even
under the most competent teachers, doesn't make a student wise. The
"school of hard knocks" often contributes more to wisdom than the
"university of hard facts."
Get an education? Yes! But more importantly, seek the wisdom that is from
above. The Scriptures tell us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom" (Prov. 9:10). Knowledge is the acquisition of facts; wisdom is the
right use of those facts. Even with the best education and the broadest
practical experience, a man or a woman knows nothing apart from God. The
Bible says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to
all liberally, . . . and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). This kind
of wisdom never leads to arrogance. —R. W. De Haan
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved).
The heart of education is education of the heart.
Proverbs 3:7-8
The High Cost Of Sin
It was only a little comma, but it
cost the Lockheed corporation millions of dollars! An error was made in a
contract with an international customer--a misplaced comma in a crucial
number. The company insisted that the manufacturer honor the contract as
written. Unfortunately for Lockheed, the error was made in an equation
that adjusted the sales price, and it cost them $70 million.
That's the way it is with sin too. It has a high cost, even though at the
time it may seem so small. Seemingly harmless transgressions can end up
doing great damage. Carrying a few extra pounds can cost a runner valuable
time in an important race. Likewise, a "root of bitterness" or hatred in
our lives can produce enormous spiritual harm to ourselves, others, and to
our relationship with God (Heb. 12:15).
Proverbs 3 tells us that we can expect God's chastening if we disobey Him
(Proverbs 3:11-12). That's why we would be wise to "fear the Lord and
depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:7). If we take God and His Word seriously,
we will hate any sin in our lives--big or little.
How about you? Are you letting some sin entangle you and slow you down in
your Christian race? (Heb. 12:2). Confess it now, or it will have a much
higher cost later. —David C. Egner
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
The price of sin is very high,
Though now it may seem low;
And if we let it go unchecked,
Its crippling power will grow. --Fitzhugh
Uproot the weed of sin while it's still small
Proverbs 3:11
Our Daily Bread
Scientists tell us that the seeds of
certain types of desert bushes must be damaged by a storm before they will
germinate. Covered by hard shells that keep out water, these seeds can lie
dormant on the sand for several seasons until conditions are right for
growth. When heavy rains finally bring flash floods, the little seeds are
banged against sand, gravel, and rocks as they rush down the slopes.
Eventually they settle in a depression where the soil is damp several feet
deep. Able to absorb water through the nicks and scratches they acquired
on their downhill plunge, they finally begin to grow.
Sometimes Christians are like those seeds. We need bad weather to
stimulate our spiritual development. We do not take life seriously until
something drastic happens. Although the heavenly Father never allows His
children to suffer needlessly, sometimes He lets us experience nicks and
scratches that let the water of His Word seep in and soften our hearts.
An unexpected stay in the hospital, stacks of unpaid bills, or family
disruption can quickly awaken a sleeping saint. Such difficulties hurt for
a while, but if we yield to the Lord we will find that life's bruises can
mark the beginning of spiritual advances. Occasionally God will let us be
roughed up to grow up. We may prefer to remain seeds, but He wants us to
become fruitful trees. —M. R. De Haan II
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
There are no gains without pains.
Proverbs 3:11
J R Miller
The Bible always talks to us as children. It comes with a Father's
authority, and also a Father's gentleness. It is hard, however, not to
despise chastening. Of course, it is not possible that we should really
find pleasure in being chastened. That is not natural. Indeed the Bible
says, "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous."
Not even the grace of God in our hearts can take the sting out of
chastening. We are not expected then to like it. But we are told not to
"despise" it. That is, we are to accept it without murmuring.
It will help us to receive chastening meekly, in faith and love, if we
remember that it is "of the Lord." He sends it. We know that He loves us
with infinite affection. He would not take pleasure therefore in causing
us pain, nor would He do it at all, were it not in some way for our good.
It is because He loves us and would do us good that He sends or permits
the suffering.
Proverbs 3:11
J R Miller
It is not possible that we should really enjoy being chastened. Indeed the
Bible says, "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but
grievous." Not even the grace of God in our heart can take the sting out
of chastening.
We are not expected, then, to like it. But we are told not to despise it.
That is, we are to accept it without murmuring, without complaining, and
reverently, as God's messenger to us, bringing a blessing.
It should help us to accept chastening to remember that it is our Father's
chastening. He would not take pleasure in causing us pain, nor would He do
it at all, were it not in some way for our good.
We should not despise any instruction our Father gives us, however costly
and painful it may be. He lets us suffer because He loves us, and would
make our lives beautiful and holy.
We should be willing to endure any pain or trial in order to have the
likeness of Christ fashioned in our life
Proverbs 3:11-12
What Good is Evil?
In Jesus' parable about the prodigal
son, the son asked for his inheritance in advance and left home (Lk.
15:11-32). How would you feel if you were that father? Would you have let
your son have his own way?
This father knew that saying no would do nothing to cure his son's
rebellious streak. It must have been with reluctance and sorrow that he
gave his son the inheritance, praying that the inevitable hard knocks
ahead would lead his son to repentance.
Like that father, God also permits what He doesn't like. We see this in
His care for the ancient Hebrews. God had warned His people of sin's
consequences, but He left the choice with them. They chose to rebel, which
led to grave repercussions. The book of Lamentations reflects Jeremiah's
grief over those consequences.
Yet God ultimately brings good out of the evil He allows. This realization
led Jeremiah to assure Jerusalem that although God was displeased with
them, He was even angrier with their Babylonian captors (Lam. 3:31-36). He
would exact justice and extend mercy to His people.
Are you suffering from choices you've made that grieve your heavenly
Father? God can use those consequences for your eternal welfare. Humbly
return to Him today! —Herbert Vander Lugt
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
For Further Study
According to Proverbs 3:11-12, what should be our reaction to God's
discipline? After David asked God to forgive him, what did he pray in
Psalm 51:12-13?
The way back to God begins with a broken heart
Proverbs 3:12
WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION?
Willard Aldrich tells a story about his sneaky Labrador retriever. The dog
would stay off the furniture when Aldrich and his wife were around, but as
soon as they left the room, he would climb into one of their chairs until
he heard them return. It was the telltale dog hairs and the warm chair
that gave him away.
What's a pet owner to do? Animals can't be reasoned with -- they have no
moral sense. So Aldrich decided to wire the chair with a mild electrical
current. Sure enough, during the night he was awakened by a yelp as the
dog ran into another room.
Now, that Labrador didn't love its owners more because they disciplined
him. But the disobedience stopped.
Our relationship with God isn't exactly like that sneaky dog's response to
the Aldriches. We do make conscious moral decisions. But God disciplines
His children when they disobey Him (Prov. 3:12). He wants us to obey Him
out of our love for Him. But when we rebel, He lovingly provides
correction in terms we can understand.
The choice is ours. We can obey God because we know disobedience will
bring discipline -- or we can obey Him because we love Him and desire to
please Him.
What motivates your obedience? -- Herbert Vander Lugt
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
"We love you, Lord Jesus," we often may say,
But are we as ready His will to obey?
Let's heed what God's Spirit would have us to do,
For that's how we show Him a love that is true. -- Dennis J. De Haan
The highest motive for obeying God is the desire to please Him.
Proverbs 3:12
J R Miller
We are apt to put it just the other way.
"My father does not love me, or he would not be so severe with me," a boy
says. Then he points to another boy whose father lets his son do as he
pleases, and never restrains or corrects him. "That father loves his boy,
and is always kind to him," he says.
So it may seem just at the time. But to be left without discipline, to
have no chastening, no correction, no restraining or withholding, is not
proof of love. A father who does this with his son is letting him go to
destruction unhindered. The one who corrects and chastens is intent on
saving his son. Chastening is, therefore, a proof of love. God chastens us
because He wants to save us and make something of us.
It should be a comfort to us to know, when we have trials or afflictions,
that instead of being a proof that God does not love us, it is just the
reverse - a new assurance of our heavenly Father's tender affection and
deep interest in us.
Proverbs 3:13-18
Word Search
Emily loved the New York Times
crossword puzzles. Her boyfriend Bill wanted a unique way to propose to
her. So he enlisted the help of crossword composer Will Short.
On the appointed day, Bill took Emily to breakfast. He read the sports
section while she started filling in her puzzle. Soon she began to notice
some amazing "coincidences."
"Bill," she said, "My name is in here." Then, "Your name is in here too!"
Soon phrases like "a modest proposal" and "Will you marry me?" emerged.
Emily looked at Bill in astonishment. And she said yes.
The Bible may seem like a puzzle to us. We struggle through it, hoping to
find wisdom for life's questions. Solomon understood that struggle. But he
knew the search for wisdom was well worth it. He wrote, "Happy is the man
who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds
are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is
more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot
compare with her" (Pr 3:13-15).
In the Bible, God talks to us--and about us. Persistent, prayerful study
produces great personal rewards. So take time to search the Word. You'll
discover the treasures of God's wisdom. —Haddon W. Robinson
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Search the Scripture's precious store
As a miner digs for ore;
Search, and you will surely find
Treasures to enrich your mind. --Anon.
When we look into the mirror of God's Word, we see ourselves more clearly.
Proverbs 3:13-26
What We Really Need
In a biting comment, one philosopher
said of another that he was "the greatest of thinkers and the most petty
of men." We admire individuals of high intelligence, but we certainly
wouldn't want that statement to be said about us.
Better by far to be an ordinary person who by God's grace reflects
Christ's character. Better not to be a mental giant who is spiritually
petty.
Intelligence and knowledge are God's gifts, and we can admire them. But we
must remember that a good heart and godly character are more to be desired
than brainpower, and that love is the most praiseworthy of gifts (1
Corinthians 13:13).
Even though we may respect friends who are blessed with keen minds, we
know that wisdom from the Lord is what we really need. In Proverbs 2-3, we
are told to search for wisdom as for hidden treasures, and to realize that
it is more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies (2:4; 3:14-15). Wisdom is
called "a tree of life," which is a symbolic way of describing the
blessings of being in a right relationship with God (3:18). A wise person
can walk through life with confidence, assured of the Lord's approval
(v.26).
Wisdom—that's what we really need. —Vernon C Grounds
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
The blessings of the Lord are known
By those who will obey;
His wisdom, truth, and love are shown
To all who choose His way. —D. De Haan
You can gain knowledge on your own, but wisdom comes from God.
Proverbs 3:14
J R Miller
There is something that gives better returns than silver or gold in the
world's markets. It is better to be wise than to be rich. A proper use of
wisdom yields larger and better gains than the best use of money. Wisdom
increases continually in the life of him who possesses it.
Take the wisdom of trusting God, and how experience enlarges it! The timid
faith of to-day becomes the heroic confidence of to-morrow.
Or take the wisdom of loving others. Only begin it and practice it, and
your heart will expand and your hand will acquire new skill in
ministering. Many a young person with only a commonplace life, by simple
beginning in a small way to help others and do good, has at length
attained a measure of helpfulness that is simply amazing.
A sailor boy brought home to his mother a little flower from some foreign
land, and all the fuchsias in England are the harvest from that little
kindness.
Proverbs 3:16
J R Miller
Long life is not in itself a blessing.
There is a legend of one who had a promise that the thing he asked for,
whatever it might be, he would get. He prayed that he might not die, and
his request was granted. He lived on and on. But he had forgotten to ask
that he might not grow old, and so his gift became an intolerable burden.
No doubt right living tends to longevity. Sin shortens life.
One year of wise and Christ-like living, earnest and faithful, is better
than ten years of selfishness and sin. "Riches and honor" are part of
wisdom's portion. It may not be this world's riches and honor. True riches
are those we can carry out of this world with us.
Wisdom teaches us how to use even money so that it shall enrich us in
eternity. What we keep and spend on ourselves we lose. What we give away
in Christ's name is all we really make our own forever. What we sacrifice
for Christ we shall find again and have forever.
Proverbs 3:18
The Tree
The corkscrew willow tree stood
vigil over our backyard for more than 20 years. It shaded all four of our
children as they played in the yard, and it provided shelter for the
neighborhood squirrels. But when springtime came and the tree didn’t
awaken from its winter slumber, it was time to bring it down.
Every day for a week I worked on that tree — first to fell it and then to
chop two decades of growth into manageable pieces. It gave me a lot of
time to think about trees.
I thought about the first tree — the one on which hung the forbidden fruit
that Adam and Eve just couldn’t resist (Genesis 3:6). God used that tree
to test their loyalty and trust. Then there’s the tree in Psalm 1 that
reminds us of the fruitfulness of godly living. And in Proverbs 3:18,
wisdom is personified as a tree of life.
But it is a transplanted tree that is most important — the crude cross of
Calvary that was hewn from a sturdy tree. There our Savior hung between
heaven and earth to bear every sin of every generation on His shoulders.
It stands above all trees as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and salvation.
At Calvary, God’s only Son suffered a horrible death on a cross. That’s
the tree of life for us.—Dave Branon
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain. —Bennard
The cross of Christ reveals man’s sin at its worst and God’s love at its
best.
Proverbs 3:19-26
Get Rid Of The Grubs
A frustrated homeowner had a yard
full of moles. He tried everything he knew to defeat his underground
enemy, but he was losing the battle. Finally a friend informed him that he
was trying to solve his problem the wrong way. The moles weren't the true
culprits. The real problem was the grubs that the moles were feeding on.
Get rid of them and the moles would have no reason to stay.
The third chapter of Proverbs gives us a parallel situation. Instead of
moles, the problem is fear—the kind of fear that robs us of strength
during the day and sleep at night (vv.24-25).
What is also evident from this chapter is that we can eliminate our fears
only by attacking the "grubs" that attract it. We must go after our
self-sufficiency and irreverence (vv.5-8). We have to treat our evil and
foolish ways with a strong application of divine wisdom and understanding
(vv.13-18). Then and only then will fear lose its grip.
What's important is to know the real problem so that we can work on it.
When it comes to fear, we must make wise decisions based on God's Word and
build a love-trust relationship with Christ. That's what it takes to get
rid of the "grubs."—Mart De Haan
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
When you are deeply troubled
By fear and inward doubt,
Strive to do what pleases God,
And He will lead you out. —Lloyd
Keep your eyes on God and you'll soon lose sight of your fears.
Proverbs 3:23
Avoid that Slip
Spurgeon - Faith's Checkbook
THAT is to say, if we follow the
ways of wisdom and holiness, we shall be preserved in them. He who travels
by daylight along the highway is under some protection. There is a way for
every man, namely, his own proper calling in life; and if we devoutly walk
therein in the fear of God, He will preserve us from evil. We may not
travel luxuriously, but we shall walk safely. We may not be able to run
like young men, but we shall be able to walk like good men.
Our greatest danger lies in
ourselves: our feeble foot is so sadly apt to stumble. Let us ask for more
moral strength that our tendency to slip may be overcome. Some stumble
because they do not see the stone in the way: divine grace enables us to
perceive sin and so to avoid it. Let us plead this promise and trust in
Him who upholds His chosen.
Alas! our worst peril is our own
carelessness, but against this the Lord Jesus has put us on our guard,
saying, “Watch and pray.”
Oh, for grace to walk this day
without a single stumble! It is not enough that we do not actually fall;
our cry should be that we may not make the smallest slip with our feet,
but may at the last adore Him “who is able to keep us from stumbling.”
Proverbs 3:24
Refreshing Sleep
Spurgeon - Faith's Checkbook
IS the reader likely to be confined
for a while to the bed by sickness? Let him go upstairs without distress
with this promise upon his heart: “When thou liest down, thou shalt not
be afraid.”
When we go to bed at night, let this
word smooth our pillow. We cannot guard ourselves in sleep, but the Lord
will keep us through the night. Those who lie down under the protection of
the Lord are as secure as kings and queens in their palaces, and a great
deal more so. If with our lying down, there is a laying down of all cares
and ambitions, we shall get refreshment out of our beds such as the
anxious and covetous never find in theirs. Ill dreams shall be banished,
or even if they come, we shall wipe out the impression of them, knowing
that they are only dreams.
If we sleep thus we shall do well.
How sweetly Peter slept when even the angel’s light did not wake him, and
he needed a hard jog in the side to wake him up. And yet he was sentenced
to die on the morrow. Thus have martyrs slept before their burning. “So
he giveth his beloved sleep.”
To have sweet sleep we must have
sweet lives, sweet tempers, sweet meditations, and sweet love.
Proverbs 3:25
STAY AT YOUR POST
Eric was stunned by the certified letter he received. He had been fired!
His record with the company was good, and the reasons given for his
dismissal were without substance.
As he related his story to me, Eric explained, "I said to myself, 'Don't
panic. Think this through. How would God have me respond?'"
After praying and consulting a Christian lawyer, Eric felt that God was
leading him to apply the truth of today's text to his situation. So he
stayed at his post and continued to see clients and place orders. To meet
his financial needs, he
drew on his personal reserves. Company officials were unprepared to deal
with someone who kept at his job after being dropped from the payroll.
Eight months later, the president offered Eric a new contract with the
best terms ever.
Not everyone can or should do what Eric did. But we can learn from his
example. We don't need to be "afraid of sudden terror" (Prov. 3:25). We
don't need to panic.
When a trial turns our life upside down, we can "stay at our post" by
seeking God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and mature Christian
counsel. We can resist despair, remain confident that God is at work, and
continue doing what is right and good. God will do the rest. -- Dennis J.
De Haan
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
When through life's darkened maze I go
And troubles overwhelm my soul,
Oh, grant me, Lord, Your grace to know
That You are surely in control. -- DJD
A crisis cannot break the one who relies on God's strength.
Proverbs 3:25–26
Presence of Mind
Spurgeon - Faith's Checkbook
WHEN God is abroad in judgments, He would not have His people alarmed. He
has not come forth to harm, but to defend the righteous.
He would have them manifest courage.
We who enjoy the presence of God ought to display presence of mind. Since
the Lord Himself may suddenly come, we ought not to be surprised at
anything sudden. Serenity under the rush and roar of unexpected evils is a
precious gift of divine love.
The Lord would have His chosen
display discrimination, so that they may see that the desolation of the
wicked is not a real calamity to the universe. Sin alone is evil; the
punishment which follows thereupon is as a preserving salt to keep society
from putrefying. We should be far more shocked at the sin which deserves
hell, than at the hell which comes out of sin.
So, too, should the Lord’s people
exhibit great quietness of spirit. Satan and his serpent seed are full of
all subtlety; but those who walk with God shall not be taken in their
deceitful snares. Go on, believer in Jesus, and let the Lord be thy
confidence.
Proverbs 3:33
Home Blessings
Spurgeon's Faith's Checkbook
HE fears the Lord, and therefore he
comes under the divine protection even as to the roof which covers himself
and his family. His home is an abode of love, a school of holy training,
and a place of heavenly light. In it, there is a family altar where the
name of the Lord is daily had in reverence. Therefore the Lord blesses his
habitation. It may be a humble cottage or a lordly mansion; but the Lord’s
blessing comes because of the character of the inhabitant, and not because
of the size of the dwelling.
That house is most blest in which
the master and mistress are God-fearing people; but a son or daughter or
even a servant may bring a blessing on a whole household. The Lord often
preserves, prospers, and provides for a family for the sake of one or two
in it who are “just” persons in His esteem, because His grace has made
them so. Beloved, let us have Jesus for our constant guest even as the
sisters of Bethany had, and then we shall be blessed indeed.
Let us look to it that in all things
we are just: in our trade, in our judgment of others, in our treatment of
neighbors, and in our own personal character. A just God cannot bless
unjust transactions.
PROVERBS 4
Proverbs 4:5-13
The World Wide Web
I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. --Ecclesiastes
2:13
Brewster Kahle has a vision for the Internet. He dreams of universal
access to all human knowledge. As Digital Librarian and Director and
co-founder of Internet Archive, Kahle believes we have only begun to tap
the vast potential of the Internet to change and improve our world. "My
interest," he says, "is to build the great library. . . . It is now
technically possible to live up to the dream of the Library of
Alexandria." He's referring to a huge vault of writings in ancient Egypt
that was said to house all the world's knowledge.
But knowledge is not the same as wisdom. King Solomon was a man of vast
knowledge (1 Kings 4:29-34). In his better moments, he used his God-given
capacity to collect information and insight from every corner of life. In
unguarded moments, however, he showed that all the knowledge in the world
does not keep a person from missing the purpose of life (Eccl. 1:16-18).
In spite of his knowledge, Solomon married many women, and when he was old
he built altars to their gods (1 Kings 11:1-11). His foolishness
eventually led to his downfall.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Don't get caught in a web of
knowledge without true wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord (Prov.
1:7; 9:10). --Mart De Haan
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI.
Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
True wisdom is in living
Near Jesus every day;
True wisdom is in walking
Where He shall lead the way. --Anon.
Wisdom gives wings to knowledge
Proverbs 4:7
First Things First
During World War II, I served as an
orthopedic technician in a hospital in England. One day we were cleaning
up after putting casts on fractured limbs when I noticed some co-workers
goofing off instead of helping. I didn’t hesitate to show my displeasure.
Such incidents are why I usually find myself saying a few words in defense
of Martha whenever I preach on Luke 10:38-42. You’ll recall that she was
“distracted with much serving” (v.40), while her sister Mary did nothing
but listen to Jesus.
It’s easy for me to see Martha’s point of view. In Proverbs, more than a
dozen verses rebuke the slothful. And when some first-century Christians
quit working and started to freeload off others, Paul laid down the rule:
“If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).
Our approach to work must be balanced. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the
principal thing.” Martha could have said, “Mary, dinner can wait. I’ll
join you in listening to Jesus before getting started in the kitchen.”
Work is vital. But we should not be so obsessed with it that it crowds out
worship and spiritual instruction.
Work hard, but keep first things first. —Herbert Vander Lugt
