(read over the next four days)
BACKGROUND
Solomon wrote 3,000 verses (1 Kings 4:32). The book of Proverbs is only a small number of them.
Note that the word "LORD" (Yahweh) is used eleven times in Proverbs 16. In fact, this word is used more than 75 times in the entire book, as opposed to the word translated as "God" which appears only seven times. Yahweh is the Hebrew word for God when referring to his dealings with His chosen people whereas "God" is used more in His dealings with mankind in general. Yahweh is more intimate. The book of Proverbs was written primarily for the family of God. Proverbs 16:1-22:16 contain counsel for God's people to live godly and righteous lives in an ungodly world. Intimacy with Yahweh is the key to all righteous living.
Most of the verses in this section are either...
Comparisons in synonymous parallelism - a line strengthens, develops, reinforces, or repeats the line before it.OR
Completions in synthetic parallelism - a line goes further than just repeating or reinforcing but by providing more information on the line before it.As opposed to the more common lines found in other parts of Proverbs known as
Contrasts in antithetic parallelism - a line contrasts the message or the point of the line before it. (See Proverbs 10:1)REFLECTION and APPLICATION
In these proverbs, Solomon gives us God's perspective on a variety of subjects such as our heart, home, speech, conduct, money, relationships, etc. Meditate deeply on them over the next few days and ask God to help you to walk in wisdom especially as you head into the holidays if you are reading according to the BBC schedule. We all could use more wisdom during this time of year!
PRAYER
LORD, help us to be careful how we walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of our time, because the days are evil. LORD, teach us not to be foolish, but to understand what Your will is for us (Ephesians 5:15-17). In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
1 comment:
Lord, help me to walk as a wise woman and not an unwise woman.
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