Proverbs 9 = Wise vs. Foolish

These eighteen verses say a lot about being wise verses being foolish.  Wisdom and folly each prepare a banquet(a feast) to capture the individual.  Do one want to be known as a responsible person or do you want to be none as the irresponsible person?  Wisdom appeals to the mind and folly to the senses. 

As we are searching, we sometimes get sidetracked.  Stay on course.  As you are searching, begin to think, what do you want the outcome to be.  Just remember, the kind of person you want to be will affect every area of your life.

We can all be easily deceived in thinking that the forbidden fruit will give you the everlasting life that you want.  That our sinful behavior is more exciting than getting to know God.  We sometimes bring unhappiness on ourselves by making bad choices.

The next time you are getting ready to decide if the choice is the best for you, stop and think.   Will my decision make me hopeful or fearful; will I be covered with blessings or covered with violence; will others appreciate my choice or will it lead others into sin; will I be rewarded with prosperity or be pursued by misfortune.  There are so many other circumstances to consider before making some decisions.

God's choice will give you joy, happiness and life.

There is so much to look at as we make choices. 

The choice is yours, do you want to be wise or do you want to be foolish?

Proverbs 8 = Wisdom is Calling

For the past three chapters, Solomon has talked about sin and sexual immorality.  That is how Satan calls us to him.  God calls us with wisdom.  He wants us to be successful and to have the peace, love and joy that we need to enjoy each day.

Remember Proverbs 3:13-15.  Wisdom is more important than silver, gold or precious rubies.  Proverbs 8:10-11 repeats the verse.  "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."  As I look at my diamond/onyx ring and my sapphire ring on my fingers, I see such beauty.  And to think wisdom is more beautiful than these stones.

Wisdom is God.   Wisdom is the foundation on which our lives are built on.  Once again, wisdom is there for us to ask for.  James 1:5 states "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."  Employ God's wisdom in your daily decisions. 

The last two verses sums up Chapter 8.  "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord, but whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.".  God's wisdom gives you life.  Without God's wisdom comes death.  Death refers to the peace and joy that we will not enjoy while we are on this earth.

Wisdom is a gift from God.  All we have to do is "ask".

Proverbs 7 = The Immoral Life

Solomon starts chapter 7 with these words "my son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.  Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.  Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart."  Growing up, my parents would give me instructions every time that I left the house.  I thought if I hear these instructions one more time, I am going to scream.  Now at the age of sixty-five, my parents are still giving me instructions. Just like Solomon, my parents care about what happens to me and sometimes they are the voice of God speaking to me.

Solomon knew his own heart and how God had spoken to him and at times he didn't listen.  Solomon wanted his son to understand the ways of the world and that Satan would use whatever tool he could to capture him. 

Every one needs a purpose in life.  Without a purpose, it is so easy to go down the wrong path.  In this chapter, Solomon talks about the adulteress and how she knows what she wants and the person that she can draw into her web.  She is dressed beautifully and her words are seductive and smooth.  Her strategy is to capture you.  Even though, Solomon is talking to his sons; girls and women need to be aware of the entrapment of smooth talking men.  Just remember today's thrill may lead to tomorrow's ruin.

What can one due to not be trapped by these seductive women or men?  Be careful what you read and look at and don't encourage fantasies that can stimulate the wrong desires.  Now days, people need to be careful on what they read on the internet and who they correspond with.  There are so many chat rooms that are trying to draw young people into their web.

I know that there are a lot of lonely people out there and they are trying to find love in the "wrong places". 

Keep your eyes on the future and be in God's word!   Walk away from the darkness and allow your life to shine in God's light.

Proverbs 6 = Lack of Good Sense

Proverbs is definitely an instruction manual on how we need to live life.  I have only dived into five chapters and I am already thinking how much more can Solomon write about.  Those first five chapters have said so much.

Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us the six things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him.  The things that the Lord hates are haughtiness, lying, murdering, scheming, eagerness to do evil, a false witness and stirring up conflicts.

Solomon talks about how we need to help family and friends and the needy, but we need to be wise so that even our own family does not suffer.

Laziness instead of working.  That does not mean that you work 24/7.  God also told us to rest.  One needs to learn moderation.  If someone can physically and mentally work, then they need to and not allow handouts and have someone else take care of them.

The last fifteen verses talks about sexual immorality.  It is so easy to be lured into situations.  How many times have you thought, I would never do that and then you find yourself in that particular situation.  When you are young you think what does it matter if I do something that break's God's law.  Nobody will get hurt.  In truth, somebody always gets hurts. 

My prayer is that you will stop and think of the consequences of any situation that you are confronted with.  We have all sinned and will continue to sin.  By God's grace, He loves us through everything that we do. 

As our relationship grows closer to God, He will continue to give us the wisdom to make the right choices.  Ephesian 5:15-16 says "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."  Do life God's way so that you will bring honor to Him and that others will continue to know Him.

Proverbs 5 = Sexual Immorality

By having wisdom and insight, one will stop and think about their future before making a decision that could ruin their whole life.  This chapter talks about how sexual immorality is wrong and it can destroy one's life and one's own family.  Sexuality immorality is against God's law, as well as it could lead to diseases, unwanted children and it destroy's your own self-image.

Proverbs 5 discusses about younger years and how one can be lead into sexual immorality.  And the chapter also discusses how sexual immorality can ruin your relationship and your marriage to your spouse. 

It is interesting to read what are the reasons for divorce.  Infidelity is the number one reason for divorce.  It normally starts as an innocent friendship which later becomes a physical affair.

One doesn't normally think about how the decision could change us.  All one is thinking about the excitement; the flattery one shows you; the satisfaction and our hormones are out of control.  It is after we make the decision and follow through with the act that we begin to feel poorly about ourselves and the various consequences.

Verse 21-23 says "For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.  He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly."

The commentary said "Real happiness comes when we decide to find pleasure in the relationship God has given or will give us and to commit ourselves to making it pleasurable for our spouse.  The real danger is in doubting that God knows and cares for us.  We then may resent his timing and carelessly pursue sexual pleasure without his blessing."

For a short chapter, Solomon says a lot about our relationships with others.  It is amazing how one little event can change the whole direction of our life.

Proverbs 4 = Seek Wisdom

Chapter 4 begins with this verse "Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding."  One of the greatest responsibilities for a parent is that they give their child guidelines and direction.  We are all born with a free will.  Unless we have direction, how is one suppose to know what to do. 

I have read articles of why kids join gangs.  One article stated that "some children and adolescents are motivated to join a gang for a sense of connection or to define a new sense of who they are.  Others are motivated by peer pressure."  If a child was taught about wisdom and knew about the word of integrity, then I feel that the child would have something to think about before joining a gang.  With wisdom, they are beginning to figure out who they are.

Solomon's father, David, encouraged him to seek wisdom when he was young.  Wisdom comes from God, but parents can begin to pass it on to their children.  If you have been blessed with children, then it is your responsibility to direct them in the right direction.

James 5:1 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault and it will be given to him."  If no one has shared wisdom with you, then God gives you the opportunity to ask for it.  He wants everyone to have wisdom so that they can enjoy their daily walk with Him.

Verses 13 through 19, talks about the wicked and how easily we are led astray.  I for one have walked the path of wickedness.  A path that gave me heartache.   The things we do to be accepted, even though we know it isn't a wise choice.

Verse 23 tells us to guard our heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Seek what will keep you on the right path.  When you have goals, direction and commitment to something, then it is so much easier to say "no" to something that is not the best for us. 

Once again, what path are you going to take?  Are you going down the path of destruction or are you going to choose the path of integrity and seeking wisdom?  The choice is yours.

Proverbs 3 = Benefits of Wisdom

When I read Chapter 3, the verse that always stands out for me is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

In my late 20s and early 30s, I was single and I was always trying to make ends meet.  I was faithful in paying my bills and trying not to be in debt.  I wanted to take trips and I wanted to buy more "things", but I just never had enough money.  So God and I had a lot of talks.  He was always telling me to "trust Him", don't look at what everybody else is doing or how they are spending money.

I had cried out and asked the Lord "to please give me wisdom".  With that, He was always showing me to have wisdom, I had to trust Him.

Verses 14 through 15, says that wisdom is so much better than silver, gold or rubies.  Nothing that I desire can compare with these jewels.

So what do I gain when I have wisdom.  A person who has wisdom is loving; is faithful; trusts in the Lord; puts God first; turns away from evil; knows right from wrong; listens and learns and does what is right.  The benefits of wisdom is a long, prosperous life; favor with God and people; reputation for good judgement; success; health; vitality and riches, honor, pleasure, peace and protection.

The last part of Chapter 3 talks about our own integrity and how we treat others.  I need to be as eager to do good as I want good to be done to me.

I do love jewelry and all the beautiful stones, such as diamonds, pearls, sapphires, jade and onyx.  We have all looked at someone and if they are wearing a lot of expensive jewelry, we sometimes think they must have a lot of money and they must have it all(confidence, success, peace and so much more).  As I have learned in life, that jewelry is just a cover-up on their own life(there is no peace, no happiness or joy).

If I have wisdom, I have it all(the peace, joy and happiness).  My character represents so much more than what jewels would ever represent.

Proverbs 2 = Which path?

It is always interesting how when you start studying a particular subject or someone discusses a certain topic, that all of the sudden, you are hearing about that topic from everyone.  Or when you go buy a car and you make a comment that you have never noticed that car before.  You purchase the car and you see that brand of car everywhere. 

Since I have been talking about wisdom, the devotions for the day have been about wisdom.  It is interesting to read other people's insight of what wisdom is all about.  One author that I read today was discussing heavenly wisdom vs. earthly wisdom.  He quoted from James 3:14-16 - "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such wisdom does not come from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

He discussed about how people choose earthly wisdom over heavenly wisdom.  Earthly wisdom is the poison of envy and the toxin of selfish ambition and is of the devil.  Heavenly wisdom is supernatural and is reserved for the child of God.

Proverbs 2 talks about the pathway to wisdom.  That wisdom is a gift to us.  To gain the heavenly wisdom, we need to be growing and searching for God.  To obtain wisdom, we must trust and honor God; we must realize that the Bible reveals God's wisdom to us; we must make a choice of wanting to make right choices and to avoid moral pitfalls and when we do sin or make wrong choices that we learn from them.

As I look back in life, I did want to walk with God, but I was so easily persuaded to take different paths that were not glorifying to God.  With the choices I did make, I did suffer consequences.  I do sometimes wonder if I had made more godly choices where would my life be.  I have to realize that my life is now and I do want to glorify God.  God is sovereign.  I continue to look forward and to be an encouragement of others to make wise choices.

In the Bible, there are so many wise leaders.  Joseph was a wise leader.  He prepared for a major famine and he helped rule Egypt.  What price did he pay to become the wise leader that he was?

David was another wise leader and he had a heart for God.  David was a sinner and he made some wrong choices and he suffered, but he never let his failures keep him from seeking God's wisdom.

Abigail was a wise wife.  She managed her household well in spite of her ornery and mean husband.

There are so many more wise leaders and messengers throughout the Bible.

The question is:  which path will you choose?  The earthly path or the heavenly path?

Proverbs 1 = Everyday Life

This morning as I read Proverbs 1, I realized once again how important it is to be in God's word.  He has so much to say.  I know that there are days that I read so fast that I don't comprehend anything.  Other days I take my time.  I read a verse or two and then I digest it and I walk away feeling that the presence of God was with me. 

As I was reading Chapter 1, I read the cross referenced words to the meaning of this chapter.  Solomon wrote this chapter as well as other chapters for young people to understand how to manage their lives.  In truth, we can all use some godly advice.

We need to realize that we don't know it all.  Even though at times, I think that I do.  Only God knows it all.  Are we going to walk with integrity or are we going to be a fool?

As we trust in God, He will give you the wisdom that you need.  Always remember your actions speak louder that your words.  Verse 8 states "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching."  We have all heard that some parents tell their children "do as I say, not as I do."  The truth is children and people do watch the behavior of their parents, family and friends.  Action speaks so much louder than words.  What example are you portraying to others?  I could tell someone how much I care about them, but then my behavior to them is abusive physically and/or verbally.

Verses 10 through 19 talk about sin(an offense against religious or moral law).  Sin does separate us from our relationship with God.  We are all sinners and we have all sinned and we will continue to sin.  As we walk with God, He will give us the wisdom that we need as we are confronted with sin and issues.  Always know that there are always consequences(good or bad) to our actions.

Money plays such a big part of our lives.  Some people are so possessed with having money that they will do something illegal(such as stealing, embezzling or selling illegal items) so that they can obtain money.  These ways can totally destroy you.  God wants you to ask for wisdom in how to obtain money.  He will open doors for a job that will help you financially and/or He can assist you in getting into a school to learn a certain trade.  There are no limits with God.  We need to allow Him to work in His timing.  His timing is always the hard part for us because we always want things "now".

Verses 20 through 33 talk about rejecting wisdom.  God wants you to be wise.  Don't reject something that He wants to give you.  If you reject wisdom, you become a fool.  A fool is usually smart with knowledge, but they are rebellious, lazy, filled with anger and can not tell right from wrong.

As I can see, being filled with wisdom will give you the joy, happiness and peace that you are seeking.

Chapter 1 is letting you know that what you choose for your life(being filled with wisdom or being filled with foolishness) will be the first step in comprehending the book of Proverbs.

The choice is yours!

Becoming Wise

The past few weeks have been filled with traveling, house guest and just being busy.  I do enjoy sitting down and typing about my travels, typing words of encouragement or just typing about anything.  I always hope that my story(ies) can help someone walk through life and see that "life happens" and we are the ones that sometimes mess it up.

As I say "life happens", I also know that we all want to have peace and joy while life is happening.

Life is an adventure and there is so much to see and to share.  In enjoying life, one needs to be wise.  There are so many people that have lots of knowledge, but they are not wise.The past few weeks I have listened to so many people's personal stories.  There are a lot of people going through physical pain as well as emotional pain.  How can one go through these pains, especially if they are a Christian?  We read that if we trust in Jesus then all our pains will go away.  Our pains are sometimes in our lives to assist us in becoming wise and to trust that God knows what He is doing.

Many years ago as I went through a lot of physical and emotional pain, I read the story about Solomon and how God appeared to him and said "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Solomon said that "he wanted wisdom and knowledge,so that I may lead the people."  I knew that to be able to handle situations in my life, I needed wisdom and knowledge.

I have read many books--self-help books, inspirational books, books about becoming a leader, etc.  But the one book that I keep coming back to is the Bible.  Each chapter of the Bible has something to say.  One of my favorite books is Proverbs.

Proverbs was written by Solomon.  Remember, he had asked God to give him knowledge and wisdom.  Proverbs is a collection of wise statements.  It is filled with a wide range of topics; wisdom, knowing God, marriage, family life, business matters, wealth, seeking the truth and so much more. As you read Proverbs, you do feel so much closer to God.  Whether you are a Christian or not, Proverbs can fill you with wisdom and knowledge that you need on a daily basis of life.

I would like to take a chapter each day and talk about what that chapter means to me. 

If you are seeking direction and you don't know where to turn, I suggest that you take one chapter each day and read it and allow the chapter to guide you.  There are 31 chapters.  You could read a chapter each day and finish the book of Proverbs by the end of the month.  Try it for a month or try it for a year.  If you did it for a year, that means you would read Proverbs twelve times for that year.  I know that you will look at life differently.  That you will begin to have the joy, peace and happiness that you are seeking in your life.

If nothing else seems to work in your life, then what do you have to lose?  Read a chapter each day, be still and allow yourself to hear God as He whispers.

As I type, God knows each person that will take this challenge.  He wants to make a difference in your life.

Life is to be enjoyed!