Today's Reading:

Proverbs 1
Proverbs 2
Proverbs 3
Proverbs 4

Who does not want wisdom? The book of Proverbs was written for the Israelites by multiple authors over a period of time, some were written by Solomon himself. They are life instructions to learn how to be wise as wisdom keeps you safe. All wisdom comes from the Lord, so trust Him with all your heart as that brings peace. They are written for the simple and the young to give knowledge and discernment. Not just to live wisely but doing so in a way with the fear of the Lord in mind. Be teachable and seek wisdom (2:1-5). The Lord holds success; He is the shield that guards and protects.

A good heart will create good outcomes in your actions and moral righteousness. This all begins with fear. It must be pursued as it protects against evil, friends, sexual temptations, and foolishness. Wisdom blesses us with guidance, security, honor and life. You show your wisdom by obeying God and His commands. Trust in Him alone, live a moral life and be disciplined. This is the first step of Christian life.

Most of the proverbs were written as a give and take command on an action and then the consequences to that action. In the later section of Proverbs, they become very short, only a couple of lines each, as short tidbits of wise life instructions. There are a few that repeat almost verbatim, sometimes for effect to reiterate a saying that is important or to make it more clear by changing up the words but keeping the meaning the same. Verses 1:1-7 give the purpose for the book. These are not promises, just because you follow the wise advice does not mean that all your wishes will come true. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. All this wisdom is free; God gives it to us with no strings attached. Seek and trust Him to give solid advice. Submit and obey.

Solomon was given any wish and he chose wisdom. These are the wise sayings that worked for him in the ancient times, and they still apply today as God’s Word is eternal. It would behoove us to use them to make ourselves wiser. Temptations are from Satan, where he finds a chink in our armor of God. We must have spiritual armor on, including the Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:10) in order to heed these instructions and be wise.

Throughout the book there are three characters that show up: the wise, the fool, and the simple.

• The Wise- Walks in fear of the Lord by living righteously, and by submitting to His will.
• The Fool- Uses their own understanding to make decisions, does not follow God or rebels against His Word and Wisdom.
• The Simple- Someone who is easily led away from God, they are immature or naïve with no idea on reality.

God is preparing you for a hard world. To live righteously we must submit and follow His advice. Wear this like a badge of honor, a “beautiful chain to adorn your neck” (1:9). Even the wise can benefit as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Listen to both parents, as they are wise. Do not join in with sinners if they entice you, because peer pressure is dangerous. Their way may look exciting, and you may get rich, but it will quickly lead to self-destruction. Wisdom publicly calls to everyone, but some ignore it. Wisdom will rebuke the simple and the fool for hating knowledge. When God holds out an outstretched hand, she (wisdom) will laugh at their (the fools) panic. They reject God’s word, and rejecting wisdom has serious consequences (1:28-33). You may get what you want but you will regret it, then eventually when you seek wisdom, you will not find it. Heed wisdom in order to have peace and security.

In chapter 2, the benefits of wisdom were told by the father. You must seek and make the effort to find it; you will feel it in your soul and then you will have the fear of the Lord. This will lead to a deeper relationship with God as wisdom brings more clarity. Wisdom protects people from bad influences. Sexual temptation is a trap; it destroys lives and leads to spiritual death. Wisdom will keep you on the right path as the wicked are cut off.

Chapter 3 is on obedience and how it adds peace to your life. Keep God’s commands in your heart not just memorizing scripture, and you will win favor by God and man. Verse 3:5-6 is a famous tidbit that true wisdom has total trust in God, not self-reliance. His ways are the best. So, talk to Him, that is how you will discern His ways. Be generous and prioritize giving as that can lead to material blessings. God will discipline those He loves like a father to a son with correction, in a kind and loving way for training. This is not rejection by God. Wisdom is valuable and it brings riches, honor, peace and a long life. Since God used wisdom to create the earth, then it is in all things, woven through the fabric of life. Wisdom provides security and confidence as it shows itself in everyday situations.

No matter what the cost, find wisdom! It is passed down from generation to generation. Love and embrace her (wisdom) like a cherished person and in return you will have honor and grace. Follow the straight (right or correct) path and you will be protected. Avoid the evil path as it leads to darkness. The righteous path is light, and it grows brighter. Guard your heart (your inner life, desires and thoughts), it makes the paths of life. Control your speech, eyes, and steps- stay focused!

Wisdom is not just knowledge, it is a lifelong pursuit that brings honor, protection, and light. In what area of your life right now is God calling you to pursue wisdom more intentionally?

Today's Discussion question:

Wisdom is not just knowledge; it is a lifelong pursuit that brings honor, protection, and light. In what area of your life right now is God calling you to pursue wisdom more intentionally?

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