Proverbs 14 - Are You FAT?

LINK: Proverbs 14

BACKGROUND

These proverbs of Solomon are in the section (Proverbs 10-22) comprised mainly of "authentic" proverbs -- proverbs where there is a contrast introduced by the word but. They are written in short couplets and give wisdom for living on a wide variety of topics.

I did a study on the word "scoffer" this morning (In fact, I got carried away.):

A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none,

But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding. 

Proverbs 14:6

Here is an excellent summary of this word:

Fools scorn and mock at sin (Prov 14:9) and judgment (Prov 19:28). The scorner (Qal participial form) himself may be described as proud and haughty (Prov 21:24), incorrigible (Prov 9:7), resistant to all reproof (Prov 9:8; 15:12), and hating any rebuke (Prov 13:1). Wisdom and knowledge easily elude him (Prov 14:6).

So despicable is the scorner that he may be labelled as odious to all men (Prov 24:9). Therefore he must be avoided (Ps 1:1) by all who would live godly lives. . . One good way to remove contention from a group is to eject the scorner, and then “strife and reproach will cease” (Prov 22:10). A prepared judgment awaits all such scorners (Prov 19:29), for their trademark of life has been “to delight” in their scorning (Prov 1:22). They shall be brought to nothing and consumed (Isa 29:20).

That the particular type of wickedness of the scorner is pride is suggested by Prov 3:34. Here the scorner is contrasted with the humble. In this verse, the LXX (This is an abbreviation for the Septuagint which is the Greek version of the Old Testament.) renders “scorner” by “proud” which is followed in the NT Jas 4:6 and I Pet 5:5. Cf. Prov 21:24. Dahood points out a parallel of this word with “evil” in the Karatepe I inscription (Psalms, I, in Anchor Bible, p. 2).

Among the various mockers and scorners are wine (Prov 20:1), the proud (Ps 119:51), the king of Samaria’s henchmen (Hos 7:5), and Job’s friends (16:20). (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, p. 479)
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Isn't it interesting that Job calls his friends scoffers?

REFLECTION

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We read quite a bit about scoffers in Proverbs. A scoffer refuses to listen to and profit from a rebuke (13:1). They may seek it, but it may be in the wrong place or once they seek it, they do not listen to it. Contrasted with this, we have a person who has understanding (discerning). This person acquires knowledge easily because he or she is teachable and open to rebuke. They seek out the wise to grow in wisdom and understanding.

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One thing I look for when discipling is a F.A.T. woman:

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Faithful

Available

Teachable

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The teachability component is what we are getting at in this scoffer verse. Many women say they want to grow, but I find some who are not really willing to be open to changing and growing in an "iron sharpening iron" sort of way (Proverbs 27:17). I am not necessarily talking about open rebuke or confrontation either! I am also talking about me being challenged the other way too (my concept of discipleship is a "walking alongside" not an "over and above" sort of approach).

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I found a gem in a dear friend I have been meeting with since 2001. She is so teachable! Very early on in our discipling relationship, she called me up and said, "You know, I called up a woman and made peace with her because of what you said." 

I replied, "Did I confront you on that? Did I say something to you about it? I do not remember saying anything." 

She said, "Oh no, I just felt convicted as you spoke about a situation you were going through, and I needed to do something about it, and I did. Thank you."

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WOW! I had no idea she was even having a problem, but "knowledge comes easily to the discerning" (Proverbs 14:6 NIV), and she was open to the Holy Spirit's prompting and acted upon that prompting to make things right with another woman.

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This friend is a FAT woman!

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Sadly though, I think most of us (me included) have a bit of the scoffer inside of us. Pride is a nasty disease!

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But don't you want to be FAT?

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I sure do! I want to be open to wisdom and not scoff at it. I want to surround myself with wise people who love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength rather than those who "play the Christian game" and are not authentic seekers of truth (Proverbs would call them "fools."). I have that in my dear friends and mentors, Ginny and Lorraine, both 80+ years young, they are a wealth of wisdom to me, and I want to be open to what they say and grow by spending time with them! (Ginny passed away in 2013 at 90 years of age and Lorraine in 2019 at 93. I miss them so much.) 

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What about you?

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APPLICATION

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Evaluate yourself on the scoffer to teachable continuum. Please talk to God about it. Surround yourself with wise people and respond to the "iron sharpening iron" effect they have on your life! Be teachable. Pray against the stronghold of pride.

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PRAYER

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Lord, make us wise and discerning. Give us godly, truth-seeking friends and mentors. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Proverbs 13 - On Wisdom and Longing

LINK: Proverbs 13

BACKGROUND

These proverbs of Solomon are in the section (Proverbs 10-22) comprised mainly of "authentic" proverbs -- proverbs where there is a contrast introduced by the word but. They are written in short couplets and give wisdom for living on a wide variety of topics.

REFLECTION (written in 2008)

I have been chewing on Proverbs 13 all week. My dear, soulmate friend, Kim, and I got together today, and I found myself drawn to praying through these verses as we prayed over a wide variety of topics.

Here are the verses that stuck out to me as I was praying:

A mocker does not listen to rebuke. (13:1) 

I really want to be open to correction. A sure sign of a fool is someone who does not admit that she needs to listen to those wiser than herself. I do not want to be that kind of fool! 

From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things. (13:2)

I want "fruitful lips" that speak positively, help others, and build them up (see also 12:14, 18)! 

He who guards his lips guards his life, 
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (13:3)

Last night in my exercise class, I didn't guard my lips, and a person shot me a dirty look. I felt pretty silly. Then, I felt convicted this morning as I meditated on this verse. Got it, God! 

The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. (13:4)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (13:12) 

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. (13: 19)

I grouped these together because they deal with longings and desires. Don't we all have them? As I prayed through them, my heart went to considering my biggest longing: developing a network of "women investors" who are making intentional investments in other women. I believe there is a gold mine of women with so much to share who just need a "gentle elbow" and a little encouragement in helping other women grow. I have had the joy of discipling women since 1980, and I have a deep longing to spread the joy!

My hope has been deferred on a few occasions, but things are looking very positive that something will be happening in January regarding this. I have been trying to carve out time to be diligent in putting together a four-week training for disciplemakers called "Discipleship Discussions." I am continuing to pray that that longing would be fulfilled very soon!

(2011 Update: The "Discipleship Discussions" went OK, but my hope was deferred in many ways, and my heart was pretty sick and disappointed. It just was not the right time.  Yet, God continued to keep it in the heart of many people at my church. Last spring, we had a group that defined core values at our elder and staff retreat, and this was a rousing topic of discussion!  I am happy to say that the women's ministry Sunday Study is going to go through Discipleship Essentials in twos and threes. That is so sweet to my soul!)

(2105 Update: I was also not the person to bring discipleship to my church. “Discipleship Discussions” was in January 2009. By August 2009, He opened wide a door that we walked through. (I say “we” because the ministry with my church did not include a partnership with my husband, and the new door He opened in August was with him. I like it so much better that way!) God has made it very clear to me that I am to establish and equip those who are intentionally reaching out to others outside the walls of the church. The "Discipleship Discussion" class was a closed door so that God could open a window more suitable for my gifts and calling.) 

One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor,  yet has great wealth. (13:7)

This verse hit me in light of a recent conversation with a financial agent who has been talking to many of the people in our town who are losing their six-figure salary jobs but have little in the way of assets because they have taken out lines of credit on their homes. He said, "They drive really nice cars, but they don't own them." I am praying this economic crisis helps us to be more fiscally wise with our resources in the future!

He who walks with the wise grows wise. (13:20)

This made me grateful for wise mentors who have given me the privilege of walking with them! I especially give thanks to my mentors, Ginny and Lorraine! (Ginny passed away in 2013 and Lorraine in 2019.)  I am also thankful for wise friends!

APPLICATION

What is your biggest longing right now?

Pray through the proverbs in this chapter that have ministered to you today. Better yet, find a friend and pray through them together!

"The opposite of ignorance in the spiritual realm is not knowledge but obedience."

PRAYER

Lord, teach us to be wise as You are all-wise. We love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Proverbs 10-12: Wisdom versus Folly

LINKS: Proverbs 10, Proverbs 11, and Proverbs 12
(Read over the next three days)

BACKGROUND

We are starting a new section. Proverbs 10:1-22:16 are 375 short couplets by Solomon. The sayings in Proverbs 10-15 are recognized as authentic proverbs -- proverbs in which a contrast is usually introduced by the word but.  This contrast between wisdom/faithfulness and folly/wickedness is called antithetic parallelism. They are an expansion of what was covered in Proverbs 1-9. 

Although some of the verses in Proverbs 16:1-22:16 are contrasts, most of them are either comparisons (synonymous parallelism) or completions (synthetic parallelism) that are characterized by the word and.

REFLECTION and APPLICATION

So many of the verses spoke to me this morning, and I am responding in prayer. Some of them are too personal to share here and are meant to be processed with the Lord alone.  I hope you can set aside the time to process with the Lord too. Some of them have brought tears to my eyes. My heart is aching. 

On a happier note, it is my youngest son's birthday today, and I see him growing into a wise man! YAY!  "A wise son heeds his father's instruction" (13:1). Thankfully, his father is one of the wisest men I know. :)

2023 Update: He really has grown in wisdom, stature (6'9"), and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).

PRAYER

“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6 NASB).  Make us know wisdom, God. We pray this in the name of Wisdom personified, Jesus. Amen. 

Proverbs 9 - Lady Wisdom's Feast

LINK: Proverbs 9

"Wisdom opens the eyes 

both to the glories of heaven and 

to the hollowness of earth."  

J. Alec Motyer

British Biblical Scholar

"Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; 
   mock life and life will mock you." 
(9:12, The Message)

BACKGROUND

In the first part of this proverb, "Lady Wisdom" invites all to her dinner party. In this case, the feminine noun for wisdom is in a plural form. Some commentators believe this suggests Wisdom's fullness. We do not know what the seven pillars mean (although there has been much speculation) other than the house was large. The meal is extravagantly set, and we can come and partake. Those who accept Wisdom's invitation will have life, and understanding, and learn from rebuke (For more on rebuke, see 15:31; 17:10, 19:25; 25:12; 27:5-6). 

A mocker (scorner, derider, the Hebrew word, liyliyth, comes from the name of a female goddess known as a night demon who haunts the desolate places of Edom) does not accept Wisdom's call and mocks any attempts at correction. So, this proverb exhorts us not to waste our time on a mocker. 

Wisdom's call is contrasted with the naive, empty-headed Madame Folly's invitation. Folly offers stolen water and food eaten in secret. She appeals to the senses.

When you compare the two, Lady Wisdom's banquet is so superior; but we all choose Folly at times. It is just the easier route when peer pressure tries to convince you that your wise behavior is naive and simple and foolish. Peer pressure even happens in your 50's, and sometimes it is very lonely!!! 

Thankfully I have many friends who desire to go to Wisdom's banquet. So, I do not find I am alone too often. :) Just this week, I had to call my wise friend, Kim, to validate some feelings! The road to spiritual maturity and wisdom is in the carpool lane! We need each other. 

REFLECTION 

Lady Wisdom cries out:

 "Leave your impoverished confusion and live! 

Walk up the street to a life with meaning." 

(9:6, The Message)

The prayer of Moses, man of God, was that God would “teach us to number our days that we may present to Him a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Is that your prayer to God also? There is no other route to wisdom than via the road of intentional, prayerful, protracted internalization of God’s Word through hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating (see The Word Hand illustration); followed by prayerfully living this out in your everyday life through the Holy Spirit’s direction and by His power; and through the whole process, being in relationship with others who are going to Wisdom's banquet.

Many intend to go to Wisdom’s banquet, but they never make it because they get sidetracked by other activities that seem more important at the time. Don’t let anything become more important than your search for God’s wisdom in all of life.  (The Life Application Bible, p. 1086)

Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9 is one we can pray for ourselves and pray for each other. He prayed that they would be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Let’s pray for one another in the Bible Book Club, that we would become people of wisdom. 

APPLICATION 

Feast on the banquet in Proverbs 9:1-6 then contrast these verses with 9:13-18. What things are distracting you from Wisdom banquet? It could be television, music, books, preoccupation with your looks, or "folly" friends. It does not mean you throw those away, but it may mean evaluating things. I had some evaluation last night about how I spend some of my free time after being away from my regular routine while on vacation last week.  Being away helped me to see the foolishness of some of my discretionary time.  So, I am making changes. How about you?

PRAYER

Lord, Your wisdom brings life. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call

LINK: Proverbs 8

BACKGROUND 

Wisdom, the woman, calls to all. This is a beautiful chapter. 

Note how wisdom is described:

Available to all (8:1-6, 32-35) 

Righteous and aligned with truth (8:8-9) 

Divine (8:22-31) 

Life-giving (8:35-36)

REFLECTION

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

The description of wisdom is a description of Jesus who is wisdom incarnate:

In whom are hidden all the treasures 

of wisdom and knowledge.

(Colossians 2:3)

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.

(1 Corinthians 1:30)

He is available to all, righteous, aligned with truth, divine, and life-giving! Substitute Jesus' name for wisdom and read this proverb again!

APPLICATION 

Make a list of all the blessings of wisdom and thank God today. Wisdom (Jesus) is calling You to fellowship with Him today. I pray You have a blessed day listening to His voice. 

PRAYER

Thank You that You sent wisdom in the form of a person, Jesus. Help us to live like Him. We pray this in His name. Amen. 

Proverbs 7 - Don't Play with Matches

LINK: Proverbs 7

BACKGROUND 

The Hebrew word for wisdom is a feminine noun. So, it is appropriate that Solomon personifies her as a virtuous woman that we should keep as the center of everything (apple), and cling to like a sister and intimate friend or kinsman (Ruth 3:2). When one is so closely tied to wisdom and following the words, commands, and teachings of God, the adulteress of folly will have no appeal. 

REFLECTION and APPLICATION

I like what The Daily Walk  has to say about Proverbs 6-7:

Few people plan to ruin their lives. Yet many a life ends in ruin. Why? Because someone else planned to ruin it for them.  

Satan is crafty and cunning in his attempts to destroy the moral fiber of God's children. His alternate route to God's ordained pattern for love, sex, marriage, and family seems both attractive and inviting (7:10-21). The naive will play with fire and get burned (6:28-29). The foolish will fall for his deception and suffer painful consequences. 

The path leading to adultery is broad and attractive. Tragically, it is a path many find irresistible. But though the trail is well-worn, no one needs to follow its deadly course. Whether young or old, married or single, Solomon's message is aimed at the heart: "Don't play with matches -- especially if the match belongs to someone else!" Keep that warning fresh in your mind and heart. (July 2008)

PRAYER

Lord, draw us to Yourself where true satisfaction exists and is free for the taking. Help us to understand the cost of playing with matches. Amen. 

Proverbs 6 - Foolish Finances, Laziness, and Scoundrels

LINK: Proverbs 6

BACKGROUND

Solomon is keying in on four things:

1) Things that Lead to Poverty (6:1-11)

• Foolish financial entanglements (6:1-5) - Among fellow Israelites, there was to be no interest charged when giving a loan because money lending was meant to be a way of helping other Israelites and not for money-making purposes. Interest could be applied to non-Israelites, but interest at high rates (usury) was illegal. Striking hands in a pledge was like shaking hands on a deal or "signing on the dotted line." These verses do not discourage generosity but encourage a good balance between generosity and good stewardship of finances.

• Laziness (6:6-11) - The Hebrew word for sluggard (asel) happens 14 times in the book of Proverbs and nowhere else in the Old Testament. It refers to a lazy, irresponsible, shiftless person. The ant has nobody directing over it, but it is industrious, storing up for the future. It is a call for industriousness, purposefulness, and prudence in looking toward the future. To not possess these character traits is to be unwise.

2) Characteristics of a Scoundrel, Villain, Worthless, or Wicked Person (6:12-15)

• Uses false and deceptive words - "perverse mouth" 
• Makes insinuations - "Winks with the eye, signals with feet, motions with fingers."
• Continually devises evil
• Spreads strife
• Brings disaster on himself

3) Six Things the Lord Hates and the Final One That is Sum (6:16-19)

• Eyes that are haughty - reflecting a proud heart
• Tongue that lies
• Hands that shed innocent blood
• Heart that plots and devises wicked plans
• Feet that move quickly into sin
• One who lies in court

All these do one thing: Spread strife among brothers 

The "six things plus one" above is a way of handling numbers in synonymous parallelism in Hebrew poetry (x and x + 1). The intention is not to give an exhaustive list but to stress the final (x + 1) item as a culmination of the ones that came before it.

Caution Question: Have you ever met anyone that has characteristics like the above? 

I have, and I have one word for you: RUN!!!!!!

4) The Dangers of Adultery (6:20-35) 

This section includes a strong warning to heed parental teaching against it and stay away from the immoral woman!

REFLECTION

When my best friend, Debbie, and I were roommates in Eugene back in the early 80s, we shared a huge bedroom that was separated into two areas by huge movable closets that almost touched the ceiling. One Saturday morning, I was sleeping in only to be suddenly awakened by what seemed like the "voice of God" thundering over the closets:

"How long will you lie down, o sluggard?

When will you arise from your sleep?"

(Proverbs 6:9)

or another one of "God's" (Debbie's) favorites was:

"As the door turns on its hinges, 

So does the sluggard on his bed." 

(Proverbs 26:14)

It has been a running joke between us for years whenever we get together (from as near as Corvallis to as far as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). If you knew Debbie, you would know that she would read this verse followed by one of her hilariously funny, hysterical laughs. I guess you have to be there, and I guess you need to know Debbie and me. I would not say either of us is a sluggard. In fact, we both have the dubious distinction of working ourselves to emotional burnout! We are both what many would call "high-functioning" individuals. We are anything but sluggards. In fact, we have learned the hard way that sometimes we need to slow down and rest.

In fact, these admonitions in Proverbs 6 do not mean that we should never rest. We have already seen how God has factored in a day of Sabbath rest of His people, and He wants us to rest and restore too; but sometimes, God wants us to be responsible and work. Even though I am "high functioning," I often procrastinate and wait until the last minute to do things when I should discipline my time!

(2014 Update: Wow! It is great to reread this and see I rarely, if ever, procrastinate now! Growth!)

APPLICATION (written in 2008)

If you struggle with laziness or irresponsibility, maybe you need some accountability in your life. Right now, one friend and I email our goals for the day every morning and give a follow-up that night or the following morning. It helps us both stay on track.

My husband has two "accountability partners." They set goals over email and report back to each other at the end of the two weeks. We three wives have seen great growth as a result of these three being in this kind of relationship.

2011 update: Now George does it with the other elders in our church.

2014 update: My husband had to step down as an elder his work takes him out of town during the week. He missed the accountability and just recently went back to two or three close accountability partners again. I still have two other women that hold me accountable, and I call the group "FACEyourday."

Here is our group description:

Get ready to FACE your day with accountability and support from friends!

FACED is an accountability group that focuses on balance in the following areas:

F: Food - What are your goals for eating right?
A: Academic or Attitude - What are you feeding your mind?
C: Communion - How are you communing with God and others?
E: Exercise - What are you doing to tune your temple?
D: Daily Care - What are your goals for taking care of your loved ones and yourself?

Do you have an "accountability buddy" or two who helps you to grow in areas too? Accountability does not have to be a negative thing. In fact, it can be really fun! I do not recommend a large group. We used to have an open and large group for FACED, and it got to be too much. I suggest two to three other people. 

2023 Update: I started a group on LoseIt that you are welcome to join. Here is the link. I am not advertising it. So, right now, I am the only one there!

Maybe you do not struggle with laziness and irresponsibility. Maybe you have some "scoundrel" characteristics. Are you one to spread strife among brothers/sisters? I am sure we have all had times in our lives when we did not do all to preserve unity in our congregations and fellowships. How can you grow in this area?

PRAYER

LORD, we want to grow, grow, grow in characteristics that reflect YOU! Help us to evaluate our lives in view of the wisdom we see in the book of Proverbs. Thank You that You are not a lazy God but a God of truth and integrity. Thank You for being 100% safe! We love You. Amen.

Proverbs 5 - The Pitfalls of Adultery and Blessings of Married Love

LINK: Proverbs 5

BACKGROUND 

The adulterous woman in this chapter is a prostitute. The book of Proverbs has several warnings against illicit sex. The gist of the chapter is to stay away from her! Solomon speaks of the high cost of adultery in Proverbs 5:7-14.

In Proverbs 5:15-20, a freshwater well, cistern, and fountain represent the wife.  A man is exhorted to channel his desires toward his own wife and to be satisfied with her alone. The Amplified Bible says, "a pure marriage relationship."  The "them" in 5:17 is believed by some commentators to represent the children that flow out of such a union. When we stick to our spouse, our life is blessed. There are rewards with fidelity.

The chapter concludes with the warning that what seems like freedom really becomes bondage to sin. Adultery never ends well. 

REFLECTION 

"Why would you trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills with a whore?" (Proverbs 5:20, The Message). My dad had a similar response when asked by his secretary, Irene, why he was so clueless about all the women at his workplace who came on to him on a daily basis. He said, "Why would I go out for a hamburger when I can have steak at home?"  

My dad loved steak, and he loved my mom. She was his steak. Not that she was a piece of meat, but they enjoyed their married love. That is the enduring legacy I had modeled to me every day of my life, an extremely healthy marriage. I am forever grateful. 






Married 29 years from June 23, 1956 - May 2, 1985 when my dad died of cancer




In this picture, I was away for a week, and I was so glad I am back together with my husband. Absence makes the heart grow fonder!

APPLICATION 

If you are married, give yourself a check. Are you doing everything you can to guard your marriage from outside influences that are not healthy?

PRAYER

Lord, guard and protect the marriages in the Bible Book Club. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Proverbs 4 - Wisdom is a Flashlight

LINK: Proverbs 4

BACKGROUND 

Wisdom is seen here as a woman. We will be abundantly blessed if we give attention, not forsake, prize, embrace, and take hold of her. Then we will be abundantly blessed. The path of our life will be abundantly brightened as we walk straight ahead (4:18).

If we go the way of the wicked, we will just be stumbling in the darkness (4:19). 

REFLECTION 

I am thinking of Mexico again. Every night we would walk to town for dinner while it was usually still light. On the way back to our hotel, we would have to walk on an uneven dirt road in total darkness. Sometimes, we forgot our flashlights, and it was pretty challenging to keep from stumbling. Light just helps.  Wisdom is the flashlight for the path of our life. 

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, 

That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

(Proverbs 4:18) 

APPLICATION

Make two columns and write down the commands of this chapter on one side and the blessings on the other.

Wisdom is worth pursuing. Are you convinced yet?

PRAYER

Lord, make us to know wisdom in our innermost being. Amen. 

Proverbs 3 - The Blessings of Wisdom

LINK: Proverbs 3

BACKGROUND

The Hebrew word for wisdom is ḥokmâ. This word and its derivatives are used 312 times in the Hebrew Old Testament, and three-fifths of those times are found in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. 

The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament states that wisdom: 

Represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life’s experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord.   (p. 282)

This chapter follows a pattern of stating a command followed by a blessing. The father-teacher instructs the son-student to trust (3:5-6), fear (3:7-8), honor/give to (3:9-10), and appreciate (3:11-12) God.  If we do these things we will live long, prosper, find favor with God and people, have fewer problems, enjoy health, and be aware of God's love. 

Wisdom is to be sought above all other earthly wealth. God is all-wise. 

The chapter concludes with five "do not" commands and all pertain to human relationships. 

REFLECTION

This book is always so challenging and convicting for me. I want to pursue Him with all my heart letting Him flow into me. Hopefully, wisdom will be the overflow. It is always three steps forward and two steps back though. 

All this talk about wisdom made me think of this passage in James:

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18) 

The fruit of wisdom will be deeds of gentleness, purity, peace, and mercy. I love that.  

Last week, I was with eighteen other women (and five instructors) surfing in Mexico (or trying to surf). There was one woman who was intimidating to some people. One day I sat with her on the beach and learned her story because I strongly believe that you cannot judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes. There are always deep internal reasons for people's outward manifestations. I always want to know what those are.  This woman's "mile" gave me an indication as to why she might project the "toughness" that intimidated some. 

Later that night, she irritated more and more people. Some would say she got a little out of control, but I could only feel compassion. In the midst of all of this, she came over to me and whispered, "You are the gentlest person I have ever met." 

Yesterday, while telling stories about my trip to my friend Michelle, I mentioned this, and Michelle said, "Carol, Jesus was shining through you!"

I had not thought of it that way; but as I meditated on this chapter and James today, I thought that maybe I am starting to overflow with the gentleness of wisdom without necessarily trying! I definitely have not arrived, but I am making baby steps. 

APPLICATION and PRAYER

Lord, we do not want to have the wisdom of the world, but the wisdom from above. We pray that You would guide and direct us down that path. Flow into our hearts so we might overflow your wisdom onto others. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Proverbs 2 - Seeking Wisdom

LINK: Proverbs 2 

BACKGROUND

The first nine chapters of Proverbs extol the value of wisdom. In Proverbs 2, we see the moral value of wisdom. I see it divided up into three parts:

1) How to attain wisdom

The structure of this part of the chapter is all about the verbs contained in it: receive, treasure, make, incline, cry, lift your voice, seek, and search. They require action on our part. There is something intentional (write that word on my tombstone) about wisdom. It does not just come to us by osmosis or passivity. We must intentionally pursue it with all our hearts.

Wisdom requires that we seek out and take in all that God has for us. It requires that we are open to listening and learning and applying what we have learned in the practical day-to-day grind of life.

The Lord is the ultimate source of all wisdom, and the more we seek Him, the more we will be like Him and He is wisdom.

2) The moral benefits of wisdom

Proverbs 2:7-10 tells us about the moral benefits of wisdom. Wisdom keeps us from evil. Wisdom does not just involve intellectual attainment, but it also involves living a moral life of walking in integrity.

3) The benefit of wisdom when it comes to choosing companions

God wants us to walk in integrity and into the "path of good men" and not walk with the "way of perverse men."

REFLECTION

As I meditated today, I thought of the verse in Psalm 119:11: "Your Word I have treasured in my heart that I might not sin against You." Wisdom starts with treasuring His Word! It is our most reliable source for knowing God: the source of all wisdom! 

I find meditating and even memorizing God's Word to be such a valuable means of "treasuring." I will make a shameless plug for memorizing the Topical Memory System. I continually go back to these verses I "hid in my heart" very early on in this journey of faith. It is a great thing to do with a partner too, perhaps the person you are discipling or the person who is discipling you!

It does not just stop with treasuring, but it involves living it out. That is the part that can sometimes be so very difficult! That is also where having a partner is a wonderful thing as you hold each other accountable to live out the Word!

One area where I did not "live it out" was concerning the last part of this Proverb. I was not wise about my choice of friends and partners. When I first started growing in the Lord, I had one friend who constantly brought me down. I could not give that friend up though. I was too "loyal," but there were situations I would get in with that person where I would wonder how I got there! They were not good. I have continually seen it as a pattern in my life that God has been changing over time.

I used to be just plain naive about some people because I turned my discernment "off". I honestly wanted to believe the best of the person even though there was mounting evidence that gave indications about their true character. There was something in my "gut" that told me early on that I should not continue going along that person's "way," but sometimes I just did not know how to get back out once I went down the path with the person. It always ended in a bad way though when I realized that I could not bend in compromise anymore. Turning back was tough! Now, I try to discern before I even start walking with a person like that. 

It may sound harsh, but I have become very particular about who I "walk with." This does not mean that I do not associate with all types of people and love them. I also do not expect people to be perfect, but when it comes to walking along with someone in a closer association of deep friendship or ministry partnership, I will not compromise when it comes to the integrity of my companion. It has been a lesson that I have had to learn in a very painful way too. The key is really asking God about wisdom in all my relationships. I think sometimes we pursue friendships and relationships without really listening to the Lord.

Thankfully, after many mistakes in the past, God has allowed me to "walk in the way of good men [and women]" in my friendships and partnerships. I am surrounded by people of great integrity that I thank God for every day. I continue to want to pray that He will guard me on the right path!

APPLICATION

The most effective way that I know for becoming wise is daily meditation, study, and prayer in God's Word in addition to daily application of what I am learning. I have already mentioned one way is the Topical Memory System.

Here is a list with links to the verses and a "mini-sermon" by LeRoy Eims. (I had breakfast with him once. So, it is special to hear his voice.)

Topical Memory System Audio Library

Maybe you can have some "Treasuring Teas" with someone and treasure God's Word together by sharing what you are "hiding in your heart."

Evaluate your relationships in light of the reflection above. Are you being discerning about whom you are spending deeper time with in friendship and partnership?

PRAYER

Lord, we want to seek You and treasure Your Word which teaches us about You. I praise You God for Your wisdom! Teach us to be wise stewards of our lives and relationships. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Proverbs 1 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge

LINK: Proverbs 1

BACKGROUND 

Book of Proverbs

"[Solomon] spoke three thousand proverbs" (1 Kings 4:32). Most of the book was written by Solomon but some were written by Agur and Lemuel. These are believed to have been written early in Solomon's reign.

Proverbs is a collection of 900 wise sayings that are very practical and applicable to our everyday life. The Hebrew word for Proverb is māšāl and usually means a "brief, pithy saying" but can also mean a longer discourse.

Proverbs teach us about living godly living along these major themes:

Wisdom and folly
Pride and humility
Justice and vengeance
Laziness and industry
Poverty and wealth
Friends and neighbors
Love and lust
Anger and anxiety
Masters and servants
Life and death 

Proverbs contains:

• Literary forms: poems, brief parables, pointed questions, and couplets. 
• Literary devices: antithesis, comparison, and personification. 

I'll explain more of what these mean as we dig into them. 

Key verse: 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; 

fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) 

Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1 makes a clear statement about the purpose of this book: to impart wisdom for living a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right, just, and fair (1:2-6). 

Proverbs are so that the simple (naive or untaught) can learn prudence before they become fools who despise wisdom and discipline. Prudence means "care and caution in looking ahead, cleverness or sensibleness."  The key to learning prudence is to fear the Lord. 

Proverbs 1:8-9:18 are a treatise by Solomon on the virtues of wisdom. Enjoy this first chapter. Proverbs are intensely practical. If you are reading according to the Bible Book Club schedule, I hope you can savor the words as we head into the holiday season and often need much wisdom when dealing with family dynamics!

NO REFLECTION and APPLICATION today. Enjoy soaking.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to fear You and to walk in wisdom all our days. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

1 Kings 9 & 10 - The Pinnacle of Solomon's Reign

LINK: 1 Kings 9 & 10 (read over the next two days)

BACKGROUND 

The temple of God was completed, and Solomon had achieved "all he had desired to do" (9:1). Solomon was at the pinnacle of his reign, and the Lord appeared to him a second time (the first time was in a dream, 1 Kings 3). God gave Solomon a promise and a warning. If Solomon and his descendants continued to walk in the footsteps of David, he would be blessed and the throne of David would be inhabited forever. But if Solomon and his descendants strayed into idolatry and immorality and forsook God, they would meet with disaster. 

The remainder of 1 Kings 9 chronicles Solomon's other achievements at the midpoint of his reign when the temple and palace were complete. He gave land to King Hiram, and Hiram called it the "Land of Cabul" which means "good-for-nothing."  Although Hiram complained, he benefited greatly from his trade partnerships with Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:10, 21).

Solomon also rebuilt towns, conscripted many laborers for his building projects, built a palace for Pharaoh's daughter, presented annual offerings (Perhaps the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Harvest, and Feast of Tabernacles), and built up his navy. 

In 1 Kings 10, the visit from the Queen of Sheba (modern Yemen) and the summary of his wealth reinforced the claim that Solomon had a glorious reign that was known throughout the ancient world. 

God's promise to make Solomon the richest and wisest king of all (1 Kings 3), had been fulfilled, but the accumulation of horses and chariots (10:26) was prohibited in Deuteronomy 17:16. This foreshadows what we will see happen in 1 Kings 11; but before we do that, we will take the next month to bask in Solomon's wisdom by reading through the book of Proverbs!  Proverbs will be a great book to read as we head into the holidays.

REFLECTION

Not gonna lie. There have been times in the past when I have been sailing along in my pilgrimage with God and got a little puffed up in the process. God has always been very faithful to put me in a place of utter dependence, making me realize that He is God, and I am not. I am so thankful when He does that! What is the point of serving Him if it becomes all about ME rather than HIM?

He is God, and I am Not! 

APPLICATION

If you may be getting a little too high for your horse (you international readers are going to have to look that one up), might I suggest praying through the "Overcoming Pride" chapter in Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. I love this chapter and try to pray through it regularly!  

PRAYER

Lord make us wise but keep us from pride that causes us to forget and not depend on You. Amen. 

Psalm 132 - A Dwelling Place for God

LINK: Psalm 132

BACKGROUND

This is the thirteenth of the Psalms of Ascent. If you have forgotten what these Psalms are all about see HERE.

This Psalm of David speaks of him not resting until he found a resting place for the Ark, where God's presence dwelt. The Ark was in Ephrathah (Bethlehem, David's hometown) and had spent 20 years in Jaar (Kiriath Jearim, 1 Samuel 7:1-2) until it moved to Zion (2 Samuel 6).  David desired to build the temple so the Ark could have a permanent dwelling (2 Samuel 7), but Solomon was the one God chose to fulfill that desire. It is believed it was read at the dedication of the temple because Psalm 132:8-10 are quoted by Solomon in his prayer in the 2 Chronicles 6:41-42 account. When Solomon put the Ark in the temple, the glory of God came in (1 Kings 8:1-11). This psalm also parallels Psalm 89 and is considered one of the "Zion psalms" (See also Psalm 24, 48, 68, and 89). 

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

God's covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:8-29 swore that one of David's descendants would sit on the throne. There were two parts to this oath:

1) Conditional: David's descendants would rule over Israel as long as they followed God - The temple was completed in about 959 B.C. and the line of kings ended at the reign of Zedekiah in 586 B.C. because Israel did not follow through on their end.  Stay tuned. 

2) Unconditional: David's royal line would never end, God said, "I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed" (Ezekiel 29:21, Luke 1:69). That anointed is Jesus the Messiah, descendant of David (Matthew 1:17). His power and glory will last forever. 

REFLECTION 

I recently was lectured by a woman who sat in my living room and told me I was an idolater, deceived by Satan, and did not know and study the whole counsel of God enough to know that Jesus could not be God in the flesh. She and her partner also refused to pray with me because I would not be praying to Jehovah God and was, therefore, worshiping a false God.  Oh well. 

It is psalms like this that give me assurance that I am not barking up the wrong tree! Jesus is the One promised from long ago. Reading and studying the whole Bible confirms this. 

APPLICATION

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

There are several things mentioned in this psalm that have a New Testament fulfillment in the person of Jesus:

Throne forever (12): Revelation 11:15 

Horn of David will spring forth (17): Luke 1:69 

Lamp (17): Revelations 21:23 

Mine Anointed (17): Matthew 16:15 (Christ = Messiah, Anointed One) 

Shining Crown (18): Revelation 19:12

It is vitally important to be able to know in your own mind who Jesus is. Let these Old Testament scriptures link you to the New Testament realities so that you may grow strong in your faith.

PRAYER

Lord, as the holiday season is right around the corner, I thank You that in the city of David there was born for me a Savior who is Christ (the Anointed One) the Lord.  Praise and glory to You alone. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.