Proverbs is full of wisdom that helps us align our life's priorities in a godly way. When we realize that our work and material success is not the main purpose of our life, then our hearts begin to change and God can use us more effectively. Here is a short list(in a good order of importance) on how we should priortize our lives:
1 - God
2 - Family
3 - Church
4 - Others
5 - Job
Here are a few verses about on this topic, specifically, how we should deal with our time and with others:
Proverbs 16:8 - Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Proverbs 16:16 - How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Proverbs 16:20 - He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.
God is number 1 on our list of priorities and all the other items fall right into place.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Proverbs 15
At this point, if you have kept up with your reading, you are halfway through the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 15 continues with great wise sayings. I recommend memorizing one or two of these over the next couple weeks. Find a verse that speaks to you or is relevant to your life right now and simply read it every day for a few weeks. Before you know it, you will have the verse memorized.
One of my favorite proverbs (and one that I had to memorize in Bible class in High School) is Proverbs 15:1. It simply says, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." This is a helpful verse, especially for men who struggle with anger or a short temper.
What verses have spoken to you! Memorize them and hold them close to your heart. And pray that God will bring them back to your memory when you need them the most.
One of my favorite proverbs (and one that I had to memorize in Bible class in High School) is Proverbs 15:1. It simply says, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." This is a helpful verse, especially for men who struggle with anger or a short temper.
What verses have spoken to you! Memorize them and hold them close to your heart. And pray that God will bring them back to your memory when you need them the most.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Proverbs 14
A continued theme throughout the book of Proverbs and especially in chapter 14 is that sin and wickedness is only temporary and has consequences. Sin will cause you pain and hurt in this lifetime (see vs. 11). The old saying is, if you play with fire, you're bound to get burned. Maybe not this time, or the next, but if you get too involved in unrighteous living it will reap negative results. And, if you don't repent of your sin and accept Christ's sacrifice, you will be judged for your sin when you die. Sin is a path of destruction, leading only to death.
Fortunately, the counter is a life of righteousness in Christ Jesus. Continue to study and pray that you will remember the warnings of Solomon, but also pray for God to bring remembrance the verses about righteous living.
Fortunately, the counter is a life of righteousness in Christ Jesus. Continue to study and pray that you will remember the warnings of Solomon, but also pray for God to bring remembrance the verses about righteous living.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Proverbs 13: Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child
I have been in the process of reading a book called, Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches, by Russell D. Moore. Moore has written a fantastic book about our adoption into Christ's family and relates it to adopting children into your earthly family. During one chapter, he does explain some issues that come up through the adoption process, one of them being the social stigma attached to discipline. Social workers will inspect every aspect of your life when you are planning to adopt. Although they mean well, many social workers have ungodly views of discipline. Chapter thirteen of Proverbs gives us several key verses that provide a guide to the proper means to discipline a child.
Proverbs 13:24 says, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." This is a commonly known proverb (and also misquoted), but nonetheless important. Corporal punishment, used properly, is one of the most effective ways to teach children at an early age. It teaches rules, boundaries and generally right from wrong. And as children get older, corporal punishment is less useful because they learn to rationalize and think for themselves. Teaching and speaking wisely to a child is more productive past toddler years, as well as, making sure your child has the opportunity to learn from the situation. Proverbs 13:1 says, "A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke." First, this verse puts a lot of pressure on the father. It is a big task, for sure, but worth the investment. Plus, we have God's Word to guide us. Second, and more importantly, this verse assumes that the father is giving instruction (or that the instruction is worth listening too). It is a commonly known fact that fathers are absent in the homes, and when present, are less than useful. This is a disgrace to God, His plan for fathers and fatherhood, and a handicap to our children. We need to, as men, pray that we will be godly fathers and have the wisdom to provide godly instruction to our kids.
This is easy to say and hard to do. And, as a personal disclaimer, I don't have kids (yet). If raising and teaching children in a godly manner is completely foreign or intimidating to you, get help! Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Find a godly man who has grown kids and whose kids are well behaved. Talk to them, get advice. Then, go find a godly man who has a rebellious child and ask him how he works through the issues. But know this - you are not alone and the fight for you kids is worth fighting.
I hope you pray for your kids everyday. And if you don't have kids, pray for your potential kids or someone else's kids. In today's time, with all of the outside influences kids face, they need as much prayer as possible.
Proverbs 13:24 says, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." This is a commonly known proverb (and also misquoted), but nonetheless important. Corporal punishment, used properly, is one of the most effective ways to teach children at an early age. It teaches rules, boundaries and generally right from wrong. And as children get older, corporal punishment is less useful because they learn to rationalize and think for themselves. Teaching and speaking wisely to a child is more productive past toddler years, as well as, making sure your child has the opportunity to learn from the situation. Proverbs 13:1 says, "A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke." First, this verse puts a lot of pressure on the father. It is a big task, for sure, but worth the investment. Plus, we have God's Word to guide us. Second, and more importantly, this verse assumes that the father is giving instruction (or that the instruction is worth listening too). It is a commonly known fact that fathers are absent in the homes, and when present, are less than useful. This is a disgrace to God, His plan for fathers and fatherhood, and a handicap to our children. We need to, as men, pray that we will be godly fathers and have the wisdom to provide godly instruction to our kids.
This is easy to say and hard to do. And, as a personal disclaimer, I don't have kids (yet). If raising and teaching children in a godly manner is completely foreign or intimidating to you, get help! Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Find a godly man who has grown kids and whose kids are well behaved. Talk to them, get advice. Then, go find a godly man who has a rebellious child and ask him how he works through the issues. But know this - you are not alone and the fight for you kids is worth fighting.
I hope you pray for your kids everyday. And if you don't have kids, pray for your potential kids or someone else's kids. In today's time, with all of the outside influences kids face, they need as much prayer as possible.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Proverbs 11 and 12
As you read through Solomon's proverbs, keep an open heart and continue to pray for understanding. Many of these nuggets of wisdom provide huge truths about God and how He expects us to live life for Him. Here are a few that spoke to me from chapters 11 and 12:
Proverbs 11: 4 "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death." You can't take what you own with you when you die, and if you could, it wouldn't help you. Jesus reiterated this in Matthew 6:19-20. The point is, earthly wealth cannot save and as Christ explains, is temporary. Invest in God's kingdom to get eternal return!
Proverbs 11:14 "Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety." Simple and to the point - have friends who fear the Lord!
Proverbs 12:1 "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish." Sometimes instruction and discipline is tough to take. However, God must discipline us to make us stronger and more fit for His purpose. So, if you are going through a tough time, God does not hate you. He might be teaching you a lesson that you will need later in life.
Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight." Honesty is the best policy! One lie leads to more lies. Before you know it, your whole life is one big web of lies. Follow the advice given here and just be honest, even if it means suffering from less than favorable consequences.
What verses spoke to you in these chapters?
Proverbs 11: 4 "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death." You can't take what you own with you when you die, and if you could, it wouldn't help you. Jesus reiterated this in Matthew 6:19-20. The point is, earthly wealth cannot save and as Christ explains, is temporary. Invest in God's kingdom to get eternal return!
Proverbs 11:14 "Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety." Simple and to the point - have friends who fear the Lord!
Proverbs 12:1 "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish." Sometimes instruction and discipline is tough to take. However, God must discipline us to make us stronger and more fit for His purpose. So, if you are going through a tough time, God does not hate you. He might be teaching you a lesson that you will need later in life.
Proverbs 12:22 "Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight." Honesty is the best policy! One lie leads to more lies. Before you know it, your whole life is one big web of lies. Follow the advice given here and just be honest, even if it means suffering from less than favorable consequences.
What verses spoke to you in these chapters?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 10: Wise Sayings
The book of Proverbs takes a shift in chapter 10, as Solomon begins to write down his actual proverbs. The previous nine chapters were an introduction with various discourses on special topics. Now, we come to the actual proverbs, which are by definition short sayings that are generally known by many, typically providing words of truth, moral or wisdom. These sayings continue until roughly chapter 22. Most of the proverbs have been divided into one or two verses, although some extend into four or five verses. There are so many good points to learn from the proverbs, it would be difficult to outline them all here. But, here are a couple that spoke to me:
Proverbs 10:9 - "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known." In a time when people just want security and stability, this proverb teaches that "walking surely" comes from walking uprightly. Walking uprightly means doing right by God and by man. The proverb does not guarantee that there will be no struggles or trials, but when you walk right you can stand assured on solid ground0. You will know what you stand for and who you follow and will be equipped to handle the unstable times. The counter is that the one who perverts his ways shall be known. This guy might be able to disguise himself for a short time, but in the end, God will discover and make known his folly.
Proverbs 10:26 - "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that send him." Vinegar to the teeth? Makes me cringe just thinking about that taste. This verse can be applied two ways. First, how you are with your employer. We all work for someone. A sluggard is useless to an employer and no good to any business. Sluggards are lazy, unproductive, and failing in one of our created purposes - to work. Is that you? Do you cause your boss to be uneasy and uncomfortable? Are you smoke in his eyes? Second, and often overlooked, is, we work for God. Can God trust you with His work? You can be the hardest working, most productive employee on earth, but miss out on being productive in God's kingdom. God will not give His work to a sluggard. We are Christ's messengers; His hands and feet. Let's use them for His work!
Proverbs 10:9 - "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known." In a time when people just want security and stability, this proverb teaches that "walking surely" comes from walking uprightly. Walking uprightly means doing right by God and by man. The proverb does not guarantee that there will be no struggles or trials, but when you walk right you can stand assured on solid ground0. You will know what you stand for and who you follow and will be equipped to handle the unstable times. The counter is that the one who perverts his ways shall be known. This guy might be able to disguise himself for a short time, but in the end, God will discover and make known his folly.
Proverbs 10:26 - "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that send him." Vinegar to the teeth? Makes me cringe just thinking about that taste. This verse can be applied two ways. First, how you are with your employer. We all work for someone. A sluggard is useless to an employer and no good to any business. Sluggards are lazy, unproductive, and failing in one of our created purposes - to work. Is that you? Do you cause your boss to be uneasy and uncomfortable? Are you smoke in his eyes? Second, and often overlooked, is, we work for God. Can God trust you with His work? You can be the hardest working, most productive employee on earth, but miss out on being productive in God's kingdom. God will not give His work to a sluggard. We are Christ's messengers; His hands and feet. Let's use them for His work!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Proverbs Chapter 8 & 9
I enjoyed chapter eight for its descriptive writing from the perspective of wisdom in the first person (vs. 12-31). Wisdom is more than a high level of knowledge or competency. These verses tell us that wisdom is a path. Wisdom is the correct application of learned knowledge and known experiences (and by "correct" here I mean godly or Christ-centered). The results of godly decision making are godly blessings, as described in this chapter. Read through them as an encouragement to take the tougher, but more blessed path.
Solomon continues his poetic description of wisdom in chapter nine. He again characterizes wisdom as a woman, but now also uses the same imagery to describe folly. It is amazing to read this chapter as you can picture the attributes of wisdom and folly in an actual person. He says, the woman, Folly, is loud, seductive and knows nothing (vs. 13), yet wisdom prepares a meal, sets the table and calls out to her guests (vs. 1-6). Wow! Based on these descriptions it should be easy to identify the difference between wisdom and folly. Take a note, though, that both wisdom and folly call out to you (vs. 4, 16). Both call out, yet wisdom leads to blessing and folly leads to death. The difficulty is, folly can be seductive (remember vs. 13). Folly, as compared to wisdom or virtue, is the carnal side of man and is interested only in pleasures (stolen water is sweet, stolen bread is pleasant). It is ignorant to God, wisdom, virtue and God's blessings. One of the many lessons here is we must be able to not only identify folly but to learn how to defend against the seductiveness of her ways. Continue to pray and ask God for clarity, understanding and more wisdom. As we have read in prior chapters, God is waiting to pour out His wisdom on His children, we just need to ask for it and receive it.
Solomon continues his poetic description of wisdom in chapter nine. He again characterizes wisdom as a woman, but now also uses the same imagery to describe folly. It is amazing to read this chapter as you can picture the attributes of wisdom and folly in an actual person. He says, the woman, Folly, is loud, seductive and knows nothing (vs. 13), yet wisdom prepares a meal, sets the table and calls out to her guests (vs. 1-6). Wow! Based on these descriptions it should be easy to identify the difference between wisdom and folly. Take a note, though, that both wisdom and folly call out to you (vs. 4, 16). Both call out, yet wisdom leads to blessing and folly leads to death. The difficulty is, folly can be seductive (remember vs. 13). Folly, as compared to wisdom or virtue, is the carnal side of man and is interested only in pleasures (stolen water is sweet, stolen bread is pleasant). It is ignorant to God, wisdom, virtue and God's blessings. One of the many lessons here is we must be able to not only identify folly but to learn how to defend against the seductiveness of her ways. Continue to pray and ask God for clarity, understanding and more wisdom. As we have read in prior chapters, God is waiting to pour out His wisdom on His children, we just need to ask for it and receive it.
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