Solomon is all over the place in this chapter I think. ADD definitely existed back then. Don't put up security for your friend's debt, six things god hates, and have I mentioned prostitutes? Nonetheless a very instructive chapter. here we go:
1-11
Don't promise to pay off someone's debt. What if you find out after that promise that you can't pay it after all? What kind of friend would you be to back out of that? Then, your friend can use that against you. If you have done something like this, Solomon insists we fix the problem now! Don't rest untill you do!
I love in my translation how he calls procrastinators "Lazybones". I guess saying that they are rotting away in their procrastination. He tells us that we should learn from the ants, and their natural inclination to get stuff done! Sometimes I need help when I have something to do. I don't need you to do work for me, just make a list of what needs to be accomplished. I have to have a list. There's no excuse to put things off the way we do. If you go ahead and do what you need to, you're free to have it off your plate the rest of the day, and never worry with it again. you feel so much better.
12-22
Wicked people are constant liars. They find your weaknesses and entice you with their lies, to pull you in and plan your downfall. The Enemy has sent these people to bring us away from God! The devil doesn't make you bad, he just makes you busy. But, these people will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant, beyond any hope of healing. I think it's interesting the way God uses the element of suprise when dealing in judgement. "Like a thief in the night..." it comes when you least expect it. This is the outcome of those who turn their backs on God, who turn their backs on wisdom.
God hates six thing (7, Solomon decides after reconsidering)
1:Haughty Eyes
2:A lying tongue
3:Hands that kill the innocent
4:A heart that plots evil
5:Feet that race to do wrong
6: A false witness who pours out lies
7: A person who sows discord in a family
God has a very specific disdain for evil people, whose hearts are focused on doing wrong and causing trouble. I believe that number 6 hurts God so much. That people profess his name, and yet disobey his commands, and lead others astray. How much harder does that make it for those of us who are good to spread the gospel? Our claims to Christ are broken because false prophets and "un-christians" have made us look bad.
Solomon speaks again here about a parent's counsel for us. The one thing that sticks out here is verse 22:
"When you walk their counsel will lead you, when you sleep they will protect you, when you wake they will advise you."
They counsel will lead you. Did your mom ever tell you not to walk down dark alleys?
When you sleep they will protect you:
Mom reminded you to take your medicine before you went to bed so you could breathe right?
When you wake they will advise you:
Did you brush your teeth when you got up?
If we could just remember all the little things we learn growing up from our moms everything would be so much easier.
"Boys are dumb."
-Mrs. McKeel
23-29
See Chapter 5
30-35
We can make excuses and have good reasons for our sin, but if we sin, it's still a sin. we are still responsible for our actions no matter what inscentive we had.
Never sleep with another man's wife. Just in case you didn't already know that. Solomon talks about this alot, I think he knows this from experience. This time he talks alot about how it will come back to haunt you, particularly in the form of the husband. "He will be furious, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation, nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size."
There is no way to make up for this. When you commit adultery, you are destroying yourself. Not only is it a sin because you betrayed your own wife, but you cause someone else's wife to betray them! It's a lose-lose (lose-lose). Everyone loses. Just don't do it. Bad idea.
-Evan
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 5
I don't need to make this one really long, and I'm not going to!
This is a more detailed warning of giving into the temptations of un-godly women. I like the words he uses in verse 5: "Het feet go down to death, her steps lead straight to the grave." The immoral woman is a one way ticket to disgrace, and death. If that isn't reason enough for you, I will list some more verses. "Don't go near the door of her house." Solomon knows about temptations! He doesn't just warn us to avoid any wrong-doing with immoral women! He says we should avoid all contact with them. just stay away! And don;t ever say "Well, gee I didn't know she was immoral." cause trust me, you know. It speaks in many ways here about the regret you will face. Other people will gain the fruits of YOUR labor, and achieve your wealth. "In the end, you will groan in anguish when desease consumes your body."
"Drink water from your own well, share your love with only your wife."
God has designed a perfect structure for marriage. It's perfect. Don't mess with it by throwing your love at someone else. And I wouldn't advise you to take Solomon's way out. He says only to love your wife, but that doesn't mean you should marry 700 wives like Solomon did. Wrong! No, No, Bad Dog!
"Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you, rejoice in the wife of your youth." I think you should also rejoice in your wife when shes old too! Just in case you were thinking otherwise.
Appreciate the woman/man that God has blessed you with! She was chosen to be yours and yours only. God picked one person just for you!
Honor and respect his plan for you, and honor and respect and love your wife. The End.
-Evan
This is a more detailed warning of giving into the temptations of un-godly women. I like the words he uses in verse 5: "Het feet go down to death, her steps lead straight to the grave." The immoral woman is a one way ticket to disgrace, and death. If that isn't reason enough for you, I will list some more verses. "Don't go near the door of her house." Solomon knows about temptations! He doesn't just warn us to avoid any wrong-doing with immoral women! He says we should avoid all contact with them. just stay away! And don;t ever say "Well, gee I didn't know she was immoral." cause trust me, you know. It speaks in many ways here about the regret you will face. Other people will gain the fruits of YOUR labor, and achieve your wealth. "In the end, you will groan in anguish when desease consumes your body."
"Drink water from your own well, share your love with only your wife."
God has designed a perfect structure for marriage. It's perfect. Don't mess with it by throwing your love at someone else. And I wouldn't advise you to take Solomon's way out. He says only to love your wife, but that doesn't mean you should marry 700 wives like Solomon did. Wrong! No, No, Bad Dog!
"Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you, rejoice in the wife of your youth." I think you should also rejoice in your wife when shes old too! Just in case you were thinking otherwise.
Appreciate the woman/man that God has blessed you with! She was chosen to be yours and yours only. God picked one person just for you!
Honor and respect his plan for you, and honor and respect and love your wife. The End.
-Evan
Friday, February 4, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 4
I'm glad this chapter isn't really long, I have like 5 minutes to write this! gah!
Proverbs Chapter 4
1-9
Solomon starts be repeating the advice about a parents counsel. Proving that repetition is key in giving an important point.
He speaks about his own father, David, and how he promised Solomon that if he took his words to heart and he would live. "don't forget my words, or turn away from them." I think this is important because we may hear the good wisdom, learn the food wisdom, but then we can still lose the good wisdom we've found. We have to guard it like it's a prince! A baby prince! or even.....HARRY POTTER!
"getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do." I Laughed right out loud when I read this! It's so simple, and so funny somehow. We are wising just in hoping to be so!
10-19
"When you walk you won't be held back, when you run you won't stumble." This is really important to me, because I run everywhere. Walking is for slow people, I'm a charger! Physically, and mentally, and spiritually, I always run, I don't like to have gaps in time between when I decided I'm going to do something, and when I do it. It comforts me to know that I even when I charge recklessly I will not stumble, but learn. God will keep me upright so that when I'm foolish and I get into a mess, I will not be hurt, but grow stronger!
"Take hold of my instructions, do not let them go. Guard them for they are the key to life!" Have you ever lost your car keys? or your house key? You freak out right? cause they are important, they are essential to getting places, and getting in your house. If we value our lives more then our cars and homes (which we should), then wisdom should be the most important thing to us, because it is the key to our life! Guard it like a baby prince! I shall say it again, a baby prince!!
He talks again here about evil people again, and I must admit and I'm starting to REALLY get the point, but everytime he covers this subject, something new gets my attention. Here he says: "Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers." (this next part really got me) "Don't even think about it, don't go that way!" even the thought of sinning makes God sad, it's such a powerful opposite to our faith. And yet we can do nothing to prevent it! ugh, I hate sin. You suck, Satan.
20-27
"My child, pay attention to what I say..."
Focus, Focus on wisdom. Let these verses we're reading not just impress you, and make you think. Let them impact your life and you're decisions entirely. "...let them penetrate deep in your heart, for they bring life to whoever find them."
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Your heart condition is so important. If your heart is not open, and clean you cannot truly be close to God, and thus have joy. Do not put your heart in situations where you can be hurt. With a good sense of discernment and judgement, we should be able to avoid all situations that are harmful to our heart right? wrong. Like I said, I'm a charger. And when you charge, you often hit a wall, and you get hurt. But, then you find wisdom is God, and you have joy and it fixes everything, and like I sais before, you learn! and now I don't charge, I just kinda jog. and its way better for you!
verse 24 really struck me because of the way it stuck out. it was literally 2 inches apart from the rest of the verses in both directions for emphasis.
"Avoid all perverse talk, stay away from corrupt speech."
Once again, heart condition. If your heart is filthy and full of darkness, you drive God out! we must be clean! We must be gentle to our hearts! Use tear free L'oreal stuff in spritual form!
Solomon ends by telling us to look straight ahead, and fix our eyes on what's before us. (For today's musical reference, listen to "Peace of Mind" by Boston, where he regularly belts out "TAKE A LOOK AHEAD!")
"Mark a straight path for your feet, stay on a safe path. Don't get sidetracked, keep your feet from following evil."
I think it's important to keep yourself guarded, but so much to a point that you're away from any evil. We have to be near evil to help the people infested by it. My youth minister asked us at the beginning of the year if we were going to be "brave or safe?" in 2011. Meaning: Are we going to keep ourselves safe, and take the easy way out? Or are we going to reach out to others, and bring them also to safety by taking a risk!
-Evan
PS: Out of pop-tarts! TO THE GROCERY STORE!!
Proverbs Chapter 4
1-9
Solomon starts be repeating the advice about a parents counsel. Proving that repetition is key in giving an important point.
He speaks about his own father, David, and how he promised Solomon that if he took his words to heart and he would live. "don't forget my words, or turn away from them." I think this is important because we may hear the good wisdom, learn the food wisdom, but then we can still lose the good wisdom we've found. We have to guard it like it's a prince! A baby prince! or even.....HARRY POTTER!
"getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do." I Laughed right out loud when I read this! It's so simple, and so funny somehow. We are wising just in hoping to be so!
10-19
"When you walk you won't be held back, when you run you won't stumble." This is really important to me, because I run everywhere. Walking is for slow people, I'm a charger! Physically, and mentally, and spiritually, I always run, I don't like to have gaps in time between when I decided I'm going to do something, and when I do it. It comforts me to know that I even when I charge recklessly I will not stumble, but learn. God will keep me upright so that when I'm foolish and I get into a mess, I will not be hurt, but grow stronger!
"Take hold of my instructions, do not let them go. Guard them for they are the key to life!" Have you ever lost your car keys? or your house key? You freak out right? cause they are important, they are essential to getting places, and getting in your house. If we value our lives more then our cars and homes (which we should), then wisdom should be the most important thing to us, because it is the key to our life! Guard it like a baby prince! I shall say it again, a baby prince!!
He talks again here about evil people again, and I must admit and I'm starting to REALLY get the point, but everytime he covers this subject, something new gets my attention. Here he says: "Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers." (this next part really got me) "Don't even think about it, don't go that way!" even the thought of sinning makes God sad, it's such a powerful opposite to our faith. And yet we can do nothing to prevent it! ugh, I hate sin. You suck, Satan.
20-27
"My child, pay attention to what I say..."
Focus, Focus on wisdom. Let these verses we're reading not just impress you, and make you think. Let them impact your life and you're decisions entirely. "...let them penetrate deep in your heart, for they bring life to whoever find them."
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
Your heart condition is so important. If your heart is not open, and clean you cannot truly be close to God, and thus have joy. Do not put your heart in situations where you can be hurt. With a good sense of discernment and judgement, we should be able to avoid all situations that are harmful to our heart right? wrong. Like I said, I'm a charger. And when you charge, you often hit a wall, and you get hurt. But, then you find wisdom is God, and you have joy and it fixes everything, and like I sais before, you learn! and now I don't charge, I just kinda jog. and its way better for you!
verse 24 really struck me because of the way it stuck out. it was literally 2 inches apart from the rest of the verses in both directions for emphasis.
"Avoid all perverse talk, stay away from corrupt speech."
Once again, heart condition. If your heart is filthy and full of darkness, you drive God out! we must be clean! We must be gentle to our hearts! Use tear free L'oreal stuff in spritual form!
Solomon ends by telling us to look straight ahead, and fix our eyes on what's before us. (For today's musical reference, listen to "Peace of Mind" by Boston, where he regularly belts out "TAKE A LOOK AHEAD!")
"Mark a straight path for your feet, stay on a safe path. Don't get sidetracked, keep your feet from following evil."
I think it's important to keep yourself guarded, but so much to a point that you're away from any evil. We have to be near evil to help the people infested by it. My youth minister asked us at the beginning of the year if we were going to be "brave or safe?" in 2011. Meaning: Are we going to keep ourselves safe, and take the easy way out? Or are we going to reach out to others, and bring them also to safety by taking a risk!
-Evan
PS: Out of pop-tarts! TO THE GROCERY STORE!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 3: Trusting The Lord
I will just start by saying, I LOVE THIS CHAPTER! It had wonderful encouraging things in it. okay. go
1-10
"Store my commands in your heart." Lock them in. Save it for a rainy day.
"If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying."
This part confuses me. Some people do exactly what God wants but they die in a car accident at the age of 23....? Live many years, Solo-Man? Really?
I love this part in verse 3 about keeping kindness and loyalty in your life always. This is important for me, because I think that encouragement, and kindness are some of the best ways to reach someone.
We will earn favor with God, and a good reputation with people, as well as lift people up and make them happy. Who doesn't want to be happy all the time?
Here comes one of the most famous verses of all time, Proverbs: 3-5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in al you do, and he will show you which path to take"
It really is one of the best verses there is. It gives a command, and a promise. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, not a little of your heart, not just when things are going well. Trust him ALWAYS with ALL of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding: Don't expect to know what you need to know by yourself. Are we smarter than God? Duh, no. If we know how brilliant God is, why would we ever try to figure things out by ourself? Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take: This is a hard one for me. to seek his will in everything. 'Cause it's hard to do every single thing for God. I've always been the kind of kid who wasn't afraid to be payed attention to. The center of attention even, and because of the things I would like to do with my life, it's hard to want to lower myself for God sometimes. BUT! If we DO seek his will, and do what he has chosen for us, he will make it easier to do so, and show us which path to take. I'm a sucker for clarity. The goodness of vision, and the John Mayer song. Honor the Lord with your wealth, Solomon says, and with all the best of your produce. "He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine" I don't have money, but if I did....I would probably stink at this. Seriously, how easy is it to give 10 dollars in offering? It's a sacrifice, but God says that if we sacrifice for him, he will pay us back for it. I don't have a barn to be filled with grain, but one day, when I'm 21, I'll appreciate that good wine. Not cheapo, wal-mart wine, but the legit, made in the mountains, wine!
11-20
Don't be upset if God corrects you. hard. It's hard to be told you're wrong. He uses parental advice as an example here, and that's a good one. It's tough when my parents tell me I've done wrong. But, it gets your attention, and it's usuallu good for you. He says here that people who find wisdom become joyful, and I can testify! I was in such a funk, a permanent bad mood, and ever since I started seeking God's wisdom again, I have been constantly happy! best thing ever. "The Lord founded the earth on wisdom, by understanding he created the heavens." So, in trusting God, we are given the same wisdom that built the earth and heavens?? WOAH BABY!! I want in! "By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky." Just his very knowledge makes the world turn. and his wisdom brings the dew in the morning? I've always wondered how that got there! IT'S GOD!! Amazing,.
21-30
Discernment. The knowing of what is right and wrong. The only time this doesn't come into play is when we abandon it. We all know right and wrong. I can't remember the last time I did something wrong, and I could truly say "I didn't know". It's not that hard. Solomon simply suggests not to lose sight of it. And the reason we all will find this part easy to understand, is becuse we already understand it. Thanks for the reminder, Sol.
Verses 25-26 say this: "You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from getting caught in the trap."
I've watched friends lose their friends in accidents, and I've watched people grieve in sudden disaster. Yet, we should not be afraid of this? This is a harsh command. We have to trust God so much to understand when a loved one dies. or a house burns down. he is our security. and he will keep us from getting caught. somehow.
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say 'Come back tomorrow, and I will help you then.'"
It is our duty as christians, or even just as good people, to help each other. How many times has someone been stranded in a parking lot cause no one will give their car a jump? It's the little things like this that make someone's day, and bring us favor in God's eyes. Entertaining Angels, People!
"Do not pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm"
No explanation for that one. Just good advice.
31-35
"Don't envy violent people, or follow in their ways." Of course this is pretty easy for us, we don't feel like walking up and beating on someone do we? But, depending on who you're looking up to, it could be tempting to follow in the example. Who is the number 1 person, children want to be like? Their fathers. And if their fathers are criminals who beat on people, what are the children likely to do? Beat up on people and become criminals. It's sad, but true. How can we help these people? "These people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers friendship to the Godly." So, if we are Godly, and God offers us friendship, maybe we can introduce this friendship to those who are so lost.
Solomon ends here with his usual "Evil people are put to shame, those with wisdom are honored!" type thing.
but one thing he wrote got my attention.
"The Lord mocks the mockers"
The Lord looks down upon the evil. They are cast away from his love and promises because they have chosen to be. the fools are put to shame. the wise inherit honor. It was an odd place to end a chapter, so in turn, this will be an odd ending to a blog about it. Kind of a downer ending the, Solomon, don't you think?
"For the Lord is your security..."
-Evan
1-10
"Store my commands in your heart." Lock them in. Save it for a rainy day.
"If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying."
This part confuses me. Some people do exactly what God wants but they die in a car accident at the age of 23....? Live many years, Solo-Man? Really?
I love this part in verse 3 about keeping kindness and loyalty in your life always. This is important for me, because I think that encouragement, and kindness are some of the best ways to reach someone.
We will earn favor with God, and a good reputation with people, as well as lift people up and make them happy. Who doesn't want to be happy all the time?
Here comes one of the most famous verses of all time, Proverbs: 3-5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in al you do, and he will show you which path to take"
It really is one of the best verses there is. It gives a command, and a promise. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, not a little of your heart, not just when things are going well. Trust him ALWAYS with ALL of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding: Don't expect to know what you need to know by yourself. Are we smarter than God? Duh, no. If we know how brilliant God is, why would we ever try to figure things out by ourself? Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take: This is a hard one for me. to seek his will in everything. 'Cause it's hard to do every single thing for God. I've always been the kind of kid who wasn't afraid to be payed attention to. The center of attention even, and because of the things I would like to do with my life, it's hard to want to lower myself for God sometimes. BUT! If we DO seek his will, and do what he has chosen for us, he will make it easier to do so, and show us which path to take. I'm a sucker for clarity. The goodness of vision, and the John Mayer song. Honor the Lord with your wealth, Solomon says, and with all the best of your produce. "He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine" I don't have money, but if I did....I would probably stink at this. Seriously, how easy is it to give 10 dollars in offering? It's a sacrifice, but God says that if we sacrifice for him, he will pay us back for it. I don't have a barn to be filled with grain, but one day, when I'm 21, I'll appreciate that good wine. Not cheapo, wal-mart wine, but the legit, made in the mountains, wine!
11-20
Don't be upset if God corrects you. hard. It's hard to be told you're wrong. He uses parental advice as an example here, and that's a good one. It's tough when my parents tell me I've done wrong. But, it gets your attention, and it's usuallu good for you. He says here that people who find wisdom become joyful, and I can testify! I was in such a funk, a permanent bad mood, and ever since I started seeking God's wisdom again, I have been constantly happy! best thing ever. "The Lord founded the earth on wisdom, by understanding he created the heavens." So, in trusting God, we are given the same wisdom that built the earth and heavens?? WOAH BABY!! I want in! "By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky." Just his very knowledge makes the world turn. and his wisdom brings the dew in the morning? I've always wondered how that got there! IT'S GOD!! Amazing,.
21-30
Discernment. The knowing of what is right and wrong. The only time this doesn't come into play is when we abandon it. We all know right and wrong. I can't remember the last time I did something wrong, and I could truly say "I didn't know". It's not that hard. Solomon simply suggests not to lose sight of it. And the reason we all will find this part easy to understand, is becuse we already understand it. Thanks for the reminder, Sol.
Verses 25-26 say this: "You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from getting caught in the trap."
I've watched friends lose their friends in accidents, and I've watched people grieve in sudden disaster. Yet, we should not be afraid of this? This is a harsh command. We have to trust God so much to understand when a loved one dies. or a house burns down. he is our security. and he will keep us from getting caught. somehow.
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say 'Come back tomorrow, and I will help you then.'"
It is our duty as christians, or even just as good people, to help each other. How many times has someone been stranded in a parking lot cause no one will give their car a jump? It's the little things like this that make someone's day, and bring us favor in God's eyes. Entertaining Angels, People!
"Do not pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm"
No explanation for that one. Just good advice.
31-35
"Don't envy violent people, or follow in their ways." Of course this is pretty easy for us, we don't feel like walking up and beating on someone do we? But, depending on who you're looking up to, it could be tempting to follow in the example. Who is the number 1 person, children want to be like? Their fathers. And if their fathers are criminals who beat on people, what are the children likely to do? Beat up on people and become criminals. It's sad, but true. How can we help these people? "These people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers friendship to the Godly." So, if we are Godly, and God offers us friendship, maybe we can introduce this friendship to those who are so lost.
Solomon ends here with his usual "Evil people are put to shame, those with wisdom are honored!" type thing.
but one thing he wrote got my attention.
"The Lord mocks the mockers"
The Lord looks down upon the evil. They are cast away from his love and promises because they have chosen to be. the fools are put to shame. the wise inherit honor. It was an odd place to end a chapter, so in turn, this will be an odd ending to a blog about it. Kind of a downer ending the, Solomon, don't you think?
"For the Lord is your security..."
-Evan
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 2
Ch. 2
Verses: 1-8
Tune your ears to wisdom, he says here. Listen to the wise words that are spoken. How much wisdom have we missed just be tuning it out with our ipods? "Concentrate on understanding" Why is this not our focus? We should be looking out for knowledge to make us stronger every day. And If this is not the case, we should wonder. What are we so focused on that we're missing out on wisdom? Solomon says that we should "Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding" proving once again that we can only gain this wisdom through God, by crying out to him, and asking. I've found that when I ask God for understanding, or I don't, I either do well through a situation, or I don't. Why doesn't this catch? "Seek for them as you would for silver, seek them like hidden treasures." We should strive for wisdom and understanding as much as we do any earthly thing. I should be seeking wisdom like I seek the pop-tart aisle in a new grocery store (Martins....ehh). "For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding!" When God breathes, wisdom comes out, he so little as speaks a word, and we should be pulling out our notepads and writing paragraphs of new thoughts! NEW WISDOM! "He grants treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him!" This verse really struck me. Just striving to live a holy life, and a life unto the Lord, brings a natural sense of wisdom and common sense. Besides a specific search for wisdom, we already have a good wisdom foundation just from living our lives right and staying close to God!
9-15
Wisdom in us changes everything entirely. Our whole life outlook is different with this wisdom. "Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy! Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe." It seems that wisdom in our lives kind of drops everything else into place. Knowing what is right will always protect us from wrong, if we add that to a relationship with God of course.
16-19
Solomon speaks here of wisdom saving us from the immoral woman. No knock on the guy, but he should know as well as anyone about this category. I find it interesting that it says "She....ignores the covenant she made before God." maybe saying that she once had a foundation of God, but it was upon the sand, and washed clear away when the world and it's temptations reached her. "Entering her house leads to death, it is the road to the grave." This is our "Beware of Dog" sign. Stay away from this chick, bros! I like living!
20-22
"Follow the steps of Good men instead, and stay on the path of the righteous." I think this speaks loudly of the christian life by example. Having people around us who are strong in their faith and can bring us up and make us strong! This speaks loudly for me, this being one of the biggest reasons I am the God fearer I am today. 'For only the godly will live in the land, and only those with integrity will remain there." I think Solomon hints here at the possibility of losing our benefits of God. I think as christians we think that once we have accepted God, we have a free pass to heaven forever. We have to hold our end of the deal! If we lose our love for God, stray far far away from him, and drop all searches for wisdom, we will hear the words "I knew you not!" How would you feel if you got to heaven just to be turned away? How would you feel if you saw a friend get turned back? "The wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous uprooted." So let us be the ones that remove them from their land, and bring them into the holy land, bringing them wisdom we have learned through our heavenly father!
-Evan
Verses: 1-8
Tune your ears to wisdom, he says here. Listen to the wise words that are spoken. How much wisdom have we missed just be tuning it out with our ipods? "Concentrate on understanding" Why is this not our focus? We should be looking out for knowledge to make us stronger every day. And If this is not the case, we should wonder. What are we so focused on that we're missing out on wisdom? Solomon says that we should "Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding" proving once again that we can only gain this wisdom through God, by crying out to him, and asking. I've found that when I ask God for understanding, or I don't, I either do well through a situation, or I don't. Why doesn't this catch? "Seek for them as you would for silver, seek them like hidden treasures." We should strive for wisdom and understanding as much as we do any earthly thing. I should be seeking wisdom like I seek the pop-tart aisle in a new grocery store (Martins....ehh). "For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding!" When God breathes, wisdom comes out, he so little as speaks a word, and we should be pulling out our notepads and writing paragraphs of new thoughts! NEW WISDOM! "He grants treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him!" This verse really struck me. Just striving to live a holy life, and a life unto the Lord, brings a natural sense of wisdom and common sense. Besides a specific search for wisdom, we already have a good wisdom foundation just from living our lives right and staying close to God!
9-15
Wisdom in us changes everything entirely. Our whole life outlook is different with this wisdom. "Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy! Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe." It seems that wisdom in our lives kind of drops everything else into place. Knowing what is right will always protect us from wrong, if we add that to a relationship with God of course.
16-19
Solomon speaks here of wisdom saving us from the immoral woman. No knock on the guy, but he should know as well as anyone about this category. I find it interesting that it says "She....ignores the covenant she made before God." maybe saying that she once had a foundation of God, but it was upon the sand, and washed clear away when the world and it's temptations reached her. "Entering her house leads to death, it is the road to the grave." This is our "Beware of Dog" sign. Stay away from this chick, bros! I like living!
20-22
"Follow the steps of Good men instead, and stay on the path of the righteous." I think this speaks loudly of the christian life by example. Having people around us who are strong in their faith and can bring us up and make us strong! This speaks loudly for me, this being one of the biggest reasons I am the God fearer I am today. 'For only the godly will live in the land, and only those with integrity will remain there." I think Solomon hints here at the possibility of losing our benefits of God. I think as christians we think that once we have accepted God, we have a free pass to heaven forever. We have to hold our end of the deal! If we lose our love for God, stray far far away from him, and drop all searches for wisdom, we will hear the words "I knew you not!" How would you feel if you got to heaven just to be turned away? How would you feel if you saw a friend get turned back? "The wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous uprooted." So let us be the ones that remove them from their land, and bring them into the holy land, bringing them wisdom we have learned through our heavenly father!
-Evan
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 1
Alright! Day one of the proverbs project! I'm so excited to be blessed by these wise words. here we go!
Solomon starts here with a purpose for the book, saying that it is "To teach people wisdom and discipline....To help them to do what is just and fair......To bring knowledge and discipline to the young."
Even just from this I'm blown away by the wisdom and understanding God gave to Solomon. I can already feel the blood rushing through me with Godly Godness!
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline"
Solomon asks us to abandon our simple lives, and yet this concept is so simple and 1 stepped. If we turn our eyes to God, and strive to follow in his ways, we will be blessed with knowledge, or atleast a good foundation.
A Father's Exhortation:
One thing about the bible that still amazes me everytime I read it, is how relevant and still appliable it is to us today, as much as it was when it was written. Here, Solomon warns us to listen to our parents when they correct us, and instruct us. Even though, we don't always do a good job of this, we understand the importance of the teachings our parents have for us as we grow. Without the wisdom of our parents, who would teach us right and wrong? How would we know anything at all?
"What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck"
This is something I forget so much, and that I think we all should become better about. Our parents are here for our own good, to help us, and teach us, and keep us on the right path. I'll remember this next time mom tells me the stove is still hot.
"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them....My child don't go along with them, stay far away from their paths....These people set an ambush for themselves, they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money, it robs them of life."
As we have people in our lives to help us grow, we also have as many people that would do anything to tear us down. It is our duty as christians to run from this evil, but I find it is our tendency as humans to find it, and get pulled right into it. When the demons in people find our weaknesses, they can taunt us, and hurt us, and change us, and make us doubt what we know. This is where a solid relationship with God is key. When you have the spirit in you, you see everything in a different light. Those evils become less enticing in the first place, and you can run without any doubts in the opposite direction of them.
It's hard not to want money. We have to have money to have food, and shelter, and water to drink. But, how much do we neglect those who don't have any of that, in order to buy a 7 dollar cup of coffee or the new Black Eyed Peas CD? I know this is hard. I don't often have much money, but whenever I do come by some, I'm off to the store to get whatever CD I didn't get for christmas. What can we do with out good fortune to further the kingdom of God? I want to be a light to the lost instead of being corrupted by money. This is one of the greatest evils in our world, and one we don't often think of, or much less take a moment to be thankful for whatever money we DO have. Be wise with your wealth, and use it for the glory of God.
Wisdom Shouts In The Streets:
"Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street..."
Wisdom is all around us. Wisdom is in the people we learn from the most. The world is full of wisdom, but are we full of wisdom ourselves? This isn't the kind of knowledge like math, or history, or science, but a Godly knowledge. Thoughts, ideas, actions, and decisions straight from the mouth of God to us. A wisdom of things to say, and things to do, and where to go, and when. Fools hate wisdom, and thus making them foolish, leading them to a life of sin, and destruction for they do not know how to do what is right anymore. they are lost. "Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm." We are not the ones who will be destroyed by our complacency. We should always be striving to improve our hearts and our lives. Wisdom is all around us, but it is meaningless untill we embrace it, embrace God and his wisdom, and make it our own.
-Evan
Solomon starts here with a purpose for the book, saying that it is "To teach people wisdom and discipline....To help them to do what is just and fair......To bring knowledge and discipline to the young."
Even just from this I'm blown away by the wisdom and understanding God gave to Solomon. I can already feel the blood rushing through me with Godly Godness!
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline"
Solomon asks us to abandon our simple lives, and yet this concept is so simple and 1 stepped. If we turn our eyes to God, and strive to follow in his ways, we will be blessed with knowledge, or atleast a good foundation.
A Father's Exhortation:
One thing about the bible that still amazes me everytime I read it, is how relevant and still appliable it is to us today, as much as it was when it was written. Here, Solomon warns us to listen to our parents when they correct us, and instruct us. Even though, we don't always do a good job of this, we understand the importance of the teachings our parents have for us as we grow. Without the wisdom of our parents, who would teach us right and wrong? How would we know anything at all?
"What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck"
This is something I forget so much, and that I think we all should become better about. Our parents are here for our own good, to help us, and teach us, and keep us on the right path. I'll remember this next time mom tells me the stove is still hot.
"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them....My child don't go along with them, stay far away from their paths....These people set an ambush for themselves, they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money, it robs them of life."
As we have people in our lives to help us grow, we also have as many people that would do anything to tear us down. It is our duty as christians to run from this evil, but I find it is our tendency as humans to find it, and get pulled right into it. When the demons in people find our weaknesses, they can taunt us, and hurt us, and change us, and make us doubt what we know. This is where a solid relationship with God is key. When you have the spirit in you, you see everything in a different light. Those evils become less enticing in the first place, and you can run without any doubts in the opposite direction of them.
It's hard not to want money. We have to have money to have food, and shelter, and water to drink. But, how much do we neglect those who don't have any of that, in order to buy a 7 dollar cup of coffee or the new Black Eyed Peas CD? I know this is hard. I don't often have much money, but whenever I do come by some, I'm off to the store to get whatever CD I didn't get for christmas. What can we do with out good fortune to further the kingdom of God? I want to be a light to the lost instead of being corrupted by money. This is one of the greatest evils in our world, and one we don't often think of, or much less take a moment to be thankful for whatever money we DO have. Be wise with your wealth, and use it for the glory of God.
Wisdom Shouts In The Streets:
"Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street..."
Wisdom is all around us. Wisdom is in the people we learn from the most. The world is full of wisdom, but are we full of wisdom ourselves? This isn't the kind of knowledge like math, or history, or science, but a Godly knowledge. Thoughts, ideas, actions, and decisions straight from the mouth of God to us. A wisdom of things to say, and things to do, and where to go, and when. Fools hate wisdom, and thus making them foolish, leading them to a life of sin, and destruction for they do not know how to do what is right anymore. they are lost. "Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm." We are not the ones who will be destroyed by our complacency. We should always be striving to improve our hearts and our lives. Wisdom is all around us, but it is meaningless untill we embrace it, embrace God and his wisdom, and make it our own.
-Evan
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