QT 7/31/2024 Prov 20:29, Listening to wisdom from the aged

Proverbs 20:29 (ESV) —

29 The glory of young men is their strength,

but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

 

NOTE: Grey hair is synonymous with years of life. And years of life is synonymous with wisdom. And wisdom is synonymous with good and bad decisions -- what was learned from them. Nowadays, the aged are not seen in a good light. I think technology has caused us to look askance at the wisdom of the age. Technology did not always change as fast as it has today, but with that change has come this feeling that the elderly do not understand modern life or have any wisdom to offer.

 

My job forced me to keep up with technology and I have always been a geek who could afford to buy the latest techno thing. I know how to program, I know how to build computers, I know how to fix them. I can pretty much fix any Android or Microsoft device. And so, I retain some measure of "acceptability" among younger people. But that is not the splendor of old men, fixing tech items. They understand relationships, work, conflict, and basic life. We need to find ways to draw out the wisdom of the aged or else you are left asking someone who is a stupid as you for advice.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize the value of the aged for advice?
2. Do I understand that while the aged may not understand technology, they do understand things that I don’t?
3. When was the last time I actually listened, really listened to an older person?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that I have been able to keep up with technology. It gives me a platform to engage the young adults of today. I pray as I serve college students with resumes and mock interviews, that I might impart wisdom and a desire to know the God I love so much.

QT 7/30/2024 Prov 19:6, What is the real motivation for my generosity?

Proverbs 19:6 (ESV) —

6 Many seek the favor of a generous man,

and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

 

NOTE: Sometimes a proverb is just a truism, that is something that generally is true without any moral clarification. There have been quite a few of those nestled in this book. In particular, bribes are applauded for their impact. Some examples include:

 

Proverbs 17:8 (ESV) —

8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;

wherever he turns he prospers.

Proverbs 21:14 (ESV) —

14 A gift in secret averts anger,

and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

 

The statements represents truisms, not necessarily good things. But there is a negative (or moral) side to bribes that are also a truism.

 

Proverbs 15:27 (ESV) —

27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,

but he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 17:23 (ESV) —

23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret

to pervert the ways of justice.

Proverbs 29:4 (ESV) —

4 By justice a king builds up the land,

but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

 

So as we read proverbs, we must look for the moral truisms, not just the truisms. And, I should have said this sooner, these "truisms" are "generally true statements." If you do such and such, then generally, such and such will happen. These are not biblical promises.

 

The verse in Prov 19:6 applauds the idea of generosity and the giving of gifts. But the moral dilemma in the verse is the motivation. This verse is very similar to the verses on bribes. Yes, generosity does make for a lot of friends, but why are you doing it? It is a good thing to be generous. But it can also be a prideful and deceitful thing as well. Who do your gifts go to? Are they only to those in power or important people?

 

PONDER:

1. Who do I give gifts, only family and friends?
2. Do I give gifts to those who have no influence in society?
3. Do I give gifts to the poor?
4. Ask God to show you your motivation.

 

PRAYER: Father, why do I give gifts. Is it to be seen or for my reputation. Do I give anonymously or must always be known. Search me O God and know my heart. Show me if there is any wicked way in me (Ps 139:23-24 paraphrased).

QT 7/29/2024 Prov 18:23, Humility is a key to healthy interactions

Proverbs 18:23 (ESV) —

23 The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.

 

NOTE: I have found that even when I believe deep down in my heart that I am right in a conflict, it is better to approach the angry individual as if I am to blame as well. That seems duplicitous, since I am not being truthful. But it just works better to shoulder some of the blame. In the end, what does it matter whose fault it really is? There is always something I could do better or that I can think of that I could do better: I didn't communicate well, I was too abrupt, I didn't stop and ask the other person's opinion, I acted hastily, … and the list goes on. And sometimes, I can see my fault better in those situations. I may start out thinking I am quite in the right. And after approaching the individual and asking forgiveness for not communicating well and allowing the conflict to occur, I do see where I did truly contribute to the misunderstanding. So I am not really being duplicitous, I can always do better, and the approach smooths over the conflict. What does the other person learn? When I am humble and take the blame, in most cases the other person admits his own failures in responding. Does he take it to heart? Well, that is for him to figure out, not me.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I handle conflict?
2. Can I be humble in a conflict or must I always be right (and arrogant)?

 

PRAYER: Father, arrogance is easy and humility is hard. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, lowered himself to die unjustly. Moses, who talked face to face with you, was called the most humble man on the earth (but he did not start out that way). Humility is the true path to greatness. Continue to help me to shed myself of pride in my relationships.

QT 7/26/2024 Prov 17:3, Seeing the real me

Proverbs 17:3 (ESV) —

3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,

and the Lord tests hearts.

 

NOTE: Why does the Lord test hearts since he already knows our heart? The answer is that the Lord test hearts so that we can know our own heart. We don't truly know ourselves. David makes that very clear in Ps 139.

 

Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV) —

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!

 

It is a good thing when God tests hearts because it reveals to us our inner life. We see, for good or bad, what we are really like when we are tested. We can put up facades without even knowing what we are doing, but when suffering comes or conflict or disappointment, we meet our real selves. It is not a pretty picture. Which is why we need to examine ourselves during times of testing and ask the hard questions. We should not be numb or withdrawn, we need to ask questions like: Why did I respond the way I did? Why did I not do what I should have done? Why was I slow to respond? Why was I quick, too quick to respond? What was my motivation down deep? Was I concerned for others, or how I looked or whether my little "kingdom" was being torn from me?

 

PONDER:

1. When tough times come, do I look in the mirror at my responses?
2. Can I see what God is trying to teach me during times of testing?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am a poor judge of myself. I probably see myself in too good a light, but I know I struggle. Help me to grow. Help me to care for others first. Help me to keep my focus on you.

QT 7/25/2024 Prov 16, Planning is good, BUT …

Proverbs 16:3–4 (ESV) —

3 Commit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) —

9 The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:25 (ESV) —

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

 

NOTE: The verses above have stood out many times in my life. There are a reminder that in all of my efforts at planning, God is still sovereign over my life. I have sought his will over the years. I have made bad decisions, but most of the time, there were things I did not consult the Lord concerning. Even the bad decisions have been good, as God has used them to teach me. While my life appears to be under my direction now that I am retired, I find that external events and opportunities seem to be directing my decisions. In that, I can be thankful that God is not unaware and he is establishing my steps.

 

I don't think that these verses suggest that planning is not good. On the contrary, the very mention of plans and planning suggests that as normal for the man of God. Planning is good, but we must commit our planning to God and ask him to direct us during the planning and in the steps after the planning.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I create plans for my life?
2. Do I involve God in my planning, by praying first and making sure my spiritual life is part of my plan?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to lead and guide me as I plan. Lead me in the way I should go. May all I do honor you.

QT 7/24/2024 Prov 15:13, How do I view life internally?

Proverbs 15:13 (ESV) —

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,

but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

 

NOTE: Duane Garret broke this chapter (and part of the next ) up into two similar sections (15:1-17; 15:18-16:8) dealing with the same set of issues. It is very clever, as if, two people drew up their conclusions on the same set of life happenings. For myself, I see a lot of verses focusing on the inner attitude and how it affects the outward responses. Soft answers, a wise tongue, a gentle tongue, willingness to listen to reproof, seeing rightness as a treasure, prayer, openness, listening, etc, are all discussed. The glad heart seems to summarize many of these individual proverbs. How do I view life and my circumstances? Can I rejoice even in my suffering? It is certainly not easy and I would never encourage stoicism. We need to be honest with God, but we don't need to stew over life events, good and bad. A spirit of thankfulness will in time induce a glad heart. And a glad heart will change our countenance, and our countenance will affect those around us for good.

 

PONDER:

1. When life is hard, do I fall into a pity party?
2. Do I honestly go to God and tell him my struggles, worries, and fears?
3. Do I then focus on being thankful because God promises me to bring good out of the pain in life?

 

PRAYER: Father, this is a hard balance. You are not looking for robotic stoics who ignore pain and repeat mantras of "God is in charge." I want to be honest with you in my struggles and I want to be thankful for my struggles. It is a tough balance at times and I need your help.

QT 7/23/2024 Prov 14:15-16, A Christian is prudent and rational

Proverbs 14:15–16 (ESV) —

15 The simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

 

NOTE: While most commentators do not put these two verses together, they seem to fit. The prudent gives thought to his steps, he/she is wise and cautious, turning away from evil. The simple believe everything, this is the bible verse for confirmation bias. Finishing the thought in a chiastic structure, the simple is a fool who is reckless and careless. The chiastic structure appears as follows:

 

A:  The simple believes everything (vs 15a)

B:  The prudent gives thought to his steps (vs 15b)

B': The prudent is wise and cautious and turns from evil (vs 16a)

A': The simple is a reckless and a careless fool (vs 16b)

 

The scriptures extol prudence in many passages and stories. Yes, we are to walk by faith, but that does not mean checking your brain at the door. God gave us a mind to think, question, reason, and use. I (as a scientist myself) believe a serious look at Christianity (and specifically Jesus' words) will provide a person with the most rational and logical explanation of life.

 

We can listen to all the people who confirm our biases, or we can seek absolute truth. It is found in Jesus, the Son of God.

 

PONDER:

1. When it comes to faith, do I believe what I want to be true, or do I seriously search the scriptures for truth?
2. Am I open to having my mind changed by truth?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to open my mind to your truth. Where I am wrong or pig-headed, help me to see my foolishness. I pray I would seriously listen to people and not dismiss conversations without considering their thoughts.

QT 7/22/2024 Prov 13:12-19, Keys to fulfilling our hopes and longings

Proverbs 13:12–19 (ESV) —

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,

but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good sense wins favor,

but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,

but a fool flaunts his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

 

NOTE: Garret suggests the following chiastic structure to this section.

 

A:      Hope deferred” (v. 12)

B:      “He who scorns instruction” (v. 13)

C:      “Teaching of the wise” (v. 14)

C´:      “Good understanding” (v. 15)

D:      “Prudent man/fool” (v. 16)

D´:      “Wicked messenger/trustworthy envoy” (v. 17)

B´:      “He who ignores discipline” (v. 18)

A´:      “Longing fulfilled” (v. 19)

 

This chiastic is structure is unusual in the sense that is has two middles (C and D). What is more interesting is that the A and B do follow the correct chiastic pattern, therefore, the middle should relate. I think it makes more sense to adjust it.

 

A:      Hope deferred” (v. 12)

B:      “He who scorns instruction” (v. 13)

C:      Information from the wise (v. 14)

D´:     Prudence (good sense) and favor (v. 15)

D:      Prudence and knowledge (v. 16)

C´:      Information from the wicked (v. 17)

B´:      “He who ignores discipline” (v. 18)

A´:      “Longing fulfilled” (v. 19)

 

Now the passage on hope and longing emphasizes the importance of instruction, discipline, right source of information, and acting prudently. Those are the foundational blocks to seeing our longings and hopes fulfilled.

 

How we live our lives makes a huge difference in how we see our lives unfold. They are directly related. Ultimately our hopes and longings are heavily influenced by what we did. How did we handle instruction? What was our response to discipline? Did we exercise prudence in relationships? Were we prudent in our decision making or did we act on emotions? If we can answer yes to the four questions, we are much more likely to see our hopes and longings fulfilled.

 

PONDER:

1. How do we handle instruction?
2. What is our response to discipline?
3. Do we exercise prudence in relationships?
4. Are we prudent in our decision making or do we act on emotions?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to guide me and protect me in these area of my life. I have failed many times, but I do know what is right and I do try to follow these instructions. Show me when I am veering from this path of wisdom.

QT 7/19/2024 Prov 12:1, Being a person who loves knowledge

Proverbs 12:1 (ESV) —

1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

 

NOTE: The first half of the proverb has a number of verses devoted to the virtue of listening and being a good example. The second half devotes itself to the importance of honest words. I like 12:1 because it is probably my weakness. There is a defensiveness that rises up within me when another questions me or reproves me. If I was a wise man, I would be excited to hear criticism, because I could then evaluate the information, and if it was valid, change and become better. Instead, I want to hear people compliment me or praise me for some thought I had. I probably need to develop a little repertoire of questions, like …

 

• Could I have explained something better?
• Was there any part that was confusing?
• If you were giving the presentation, what would you leave out?

 

Those are the questions that progress a person is wisdom and emphasize the importance of learning.

 

PONDER:

1. What feedback am I looking for when I speak?
2. Do I try to elicit feedback that is other than praise?
3. And how do I respond to "negative" feedback? Do I evaluate it to learn or am I defensive?

 

PRAYER: Father, next time someone tells me how good something was that I did, help me to think of questions to draw out ideas on how I can improve.

QT 7/18/2024 Prov 11:28, The importance of generosity

Proverbs 11:24–28 (ESV) —

24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,

and one who waters will himself be watered.

26 The people curse him who holds back grain,

but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.

27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

but evil comes to him who searches for it.

28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,

but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

 

NOTE: The passage emphasizes the value of generosity. God will provide when we give generously. We will not hurt ourselves, we are actually helping ourselves, although that should not be our motivation. Rather, a generous man will ask the question, "How can I genuinely help another?" Is his need money or is it discipline? Sometimes withholding is a wise move. Generosity here is not bailing people out of their self-inflicted suffering. We need to "diligently seek good." We can't trust in riches nor should we hoard riches. How can we use our riches for the good of others?

 

PONDER:

1. Where can I genuinely help others?
2. Am I generous? Do I look for opportunities to be generous? Or am I selfish?

 

PRAYER: Father, as I consider one purchase that I have been mulling about for a month, I realize that the purchase can be a good thing. The purchase is a far better item to have for others to borrow than what I have now. That was recently seen by myself when my neighbors came and asked to borrow the item. Lead me and guide me in this purchase. Help me to know what is right and what is not needed.

QT 7/17/2024 Prov 10:23, The bible is what's missing in your messed up life

Proverbs 10:23 (ESV) —

23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,

but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

 

NOTE: I could have picked any number of verses from Prov 10. While there is organization in the chapter around work, laziness, and the tongue, this verse caught my attention because it characterizes much of our culture today. To violate historical mores is considered "funny" and occurs often in the movies. Moreso, many biblical morals are laughed at, and the opposite is done. This falls into the areas of sexual freedom, homosexuality, trans-genderism, the rejection of marriage, and other long-held biblical truths. We think we have grown up and shed ourselves of these restrictions, but we are fools. There is nothing to take pride in rejecting God's commands. The bible is the user manual for this life that he created. It did not come about through random processes. There is not enough time in the universe for that to happen -- it is mathematically impossible. We are created. Did God use evolution as in divinely directed evolution? It is possible. It solves the math problem of random processes. But however God created us, he knows what is best for our lives. And when we spurn his direction, we will only destroy the life he gave to us.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I see God's word as his instruction to us on how to live life?
2. Do I listen to the world's opinion on how to live life?

 

PRAYER: Father, I know I fail in many ways to live according to the instruction manual, your word. Each day I confess my sins and commit myself to doing better. I pray and ask your spirit to help. And I do see progress, but my sin nature is always fighting me. Continue to help me to grow in your holiness.

QT 7/16/2024 Prov 9, Principles for a spiritual life

Proverbs 9:1 (ESV) —

1 Wisdom has built her house;

she has hewn her seven pillars. …

Proverbs 9:4–6 (ESV) —

4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

To him who lacks sense she says,

5 “Come, eat of my bread

and drink of the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways, and live,

and walk in the way of insight.” …

Proverbs 9:13 (ESV) —

13 The woman Folly is loud;

she is seductive and knows nothing. …

Proverbs 9:16–18 (ESV) —

16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

And to him who lacks sense she says,

17 “Stolen water is sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18 But he does not know that the dead are there,

that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

 

NOTE: There is the Woman Wisdom and the Woman Folly. They both call out to the simple. We are all simple at some point in our lives. Some remain simple, they don't listen, they don't learn, they steal, they enjoy their sin, and they die spiritually. Trans-versing from simple to life is a matter of listening, learning, and applying the truths learned. All three steps are required! You have to listen. Sunday morning in church is insufficient to call yourself a listener. You have to learn, to study truth. Sunday School is insufficient to call yourself a learner. Finally, you have to apply the truth. Even if you listen and learn well, it is of no value if you do not become a doer. Application is not saying, "I am going to change" (when in you look into the mirror), and then immediately forget what you just said. Application is specific, it is measurable, it is achievable, it is relevant, and finally it is time-bound. Yeah, I stole the concept from business; it's called SMART. But, it really works well for learning to be a doer of the word. One last thing, also make it accountable -- tell someone about it and ask them to check up on you at the end of the time-bound period.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I at listening to God's word? Is it more than once a week, preferably every day?
2. How am I at learning God's word? Do I have a regular time each week where I dig into the word on my own and study?
3. How am I at applying God's word? Do I make SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, and TIME-BOUND applications with someone to hold me accountable?

 

PRAYER: Father, these are timeless principles guaranteed to change a person's life. And yet, most people ignore them. Lord, open our eyes to see the shallowness of our faith and our walk with you. We pretend to know you. We really don't want to give up our comfortable life to know you truly.

QT 7/15/2024 Prov 8:10-11; Prov 8:32-36, The most valuable thing you can get

Proverbs 8:10–11 (ESV) —

10 Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold,

11 for wisdom is better than jewels,

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Proverbs 8:32–36 (ESV) —

32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:

blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction and be wise,

and do not neglect it.

34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,

watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors.

35 For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains favor from the Lord,

36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;

all who hate me love death.”

 

NOTE: Verses 10-11 are an oft repeated phrase in the Psalms and Proverbs. But I find that most people don't believe it, or that the enemy has convinced them that spending money/time for a conference or spiritual class is not worth it. The scriptures cry out that spiritual wisdom is FAR greater than anything you can own or get from the world. Money, gold, silver, jewels, … NOTHING compares to instruction and wisdom, and specifically God's ("… my ways … listen to me … find me …"). If we believed this, having a quiet time (QT) every morning would be the thing we did without failure, eager to hear what God would say for the day. But alas, most Christians do not believe it, haven't experienced it, and as the Proverb says "… he who fails to find me injures himself …."

 

PONDER:

1. Do we really believe God's instruction and wisdom is of more value than anything else on earth?
2. What does our life, our habits, our schedule, our use of time reveal about how important God's word is to our life?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that for some reason, I made the right choices years ago. I love your word. I love teaching your word. I love how the Holy Spirit has used the word to change my life. And I love the fact that I can never get enough, … my heart yearns for more.

QT 7/12/2024 Prov 7:21-27, Men can be so stupid

Proverbs 7:21–27 (ESV) —

21 With much seductive speech she persuades him;

with her smooth talk she compels him.

22 All at once he follows her,

as an ox goes to the slaughter,

or as a stag is caught fast

23 till an arrow pierces its liver;

as a bird rushes into a snare;

he does not know that it will cost him his life.

24 And now, O sons, listen to me,

and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;

do not stray into her paths,

26 for many a victim has she laid low,

and all her slain are a mighty throng.

27 Her house is the way to Sheol,

going down to the chambers of death.

 

NOTE: We do think that there are evil men, but not usually women (well, I am a man and maybe that is the reason). But even in this case, we justify it by saying it is all sensuality and emotional connection. But this women uses every trick in the book to get the man to commit adultery. She even tries to assuage his moral guilt with some explanation of offerings and having just paid the funds, and hence short (Prov 7:14). There are so many avenues that she attacks in order to get him to give in.

 

I usually think of the man as the predator, and certainly there are sexual predators, especially those without any biblical or moral compass. But this is a man with a moral compass, and the woman is the predator. I am assuming her motivation is greed, maybe sensuality.

 

The man's motivations (besides his sexual desires) are stupidity and foolishness. This is a trap and he walks straight into it. He thinks it is only one night of a bad decision, but this decision will have lifelong consequences. And not only will it cost him his life, but this woman (and those like her) are actually monsters who have slain many men.

 

PONDER:

1. How susceptible am I to this type of woman?
2. How would I respond, how would I deter self from stupidity?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for protecting me from this type of stupidity and foolishness in my life. But I know, I am only a sliver away from such actions depending on circumstances and situations. I hope would turn, actually run from sin, but I am weak. Please, continue your grace and mercy toward me. Protect me from falling into the trap.

QT 7/11/2024 Prov 6:2023, The most important advice

Proverbs 6:20–23 (ESV) —

20 My son, keep your father’s commandment,

and forsake not your mother’s teaching.

21 Bind them on your heart always;

tie them around your neck.

22 When you walk, they will lead you;

when you lie down, they will watch over you;

and when you awake, they will talk with you.

23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,

and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

 

NOTE: The key to many of these dangers is the teaching of godly parents. I can't say that I received much teaching from my earthly parents. After I came to Christ, the teaching of my spiritual parents has kept me safe from sin for many years. The main teaching was quite simple, "get in the word, read the word, and obey the word -- make this routine a daily habit of your life." I cannot think of any better advice that has ever been given or has been more important in changing my life.

 

PONDER:

1. How many days a week to you get into the word of God to read or study or memorize?
2. Is God's word important to you? How is that communicated in your schedule and daily habits?

 

PRAYER: Father, the most life-changing wisdom I ever received was to read your word daily -- to meet with you each morning. I am a totally different person because of that advice.

QT 7/10/2024 Prov 5:18-23, Watch out for the lure of the temptress

Proverbs 5:18–23 (ESV) —

18 Let your fountain be blessed,

and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe.

Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;

be intoxicated always in her love.

20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman

and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?

21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord,

and he ponders all his paths.

22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,

and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.

23 He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is led astray.

 

NOTE: The whole of Proverbs 5 is devoted to extramarital sex and more specifically adultery. The result of extramarital relationships are extreme and painful. The folly of listening to the siren call of another woman is long-term disaster. It sounds good at first. It feels good. But, it is a guarantee of pain for the rest of your life, including early death. The passage, while not didactic, since it is a proverb, still should be taken very seriously. God devotes a whole chapter (and more) to this subject. And there are many examples in scripture of how the abuse of God's gift of sex has destroyed marriages and lives.

 

The first step in this path of destruction starts in the mind. As we imagine scenarios, they became more real and more possible. If we can keep our mind on what is good and true, we can cut the tracks of the monster (sexual lust) .

 

PONDER:

1. What is my thought life like? Do I imagine situations thinking that is okay?
2. Pray that God would protect your thought life from Satan's temptations.

 

PRAYER: Father, the appeal of the world and especially sex is very tempting. But it leads on a road to spiritual destruction. We do not lose our salvation if we have put our faith in Jesus, but we ruin our effectiveness and our usefulness here on earth.

QT 7/9/2024 Prov 4:20-22, Affecting generations for good

Proverbs 4:20–22 (ESV) —

20 My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

 

NOTE: The chapter reiterates the importance of parental teaching. One parent can affect many generations by appropriately teaching and passing on wisdom. It is the child who rebels against that instruction, and breaks the chain, starting a new line of foolishness. We can't force obedience and we certainly should not try -- that is not wisdom. But, we do need to teach wisdom, and even more importantly, we should model wisdom. When a child sees the disconnect between our words and our actions, they lose respect for us and for the advice we offer. We cannot be hypocrites when it comes to training our children.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I say one thing to my children, but do the other?
2. Ask God to reveal to you where actions do not match words.

 

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to see where I say one thing, but do another. Help me to live in a way that encourages my children and grandchildren to follow in my steps.

QT 7/8/2024 Prov 3:19-20, Following the User Manual

Proverbs 3:19–20 (ESV) —

19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;

by understanding he established the heavens;

20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open,

and the clouds drop down the dew.

 

NOTE: As I was reading through Proverbs 3, it was very difficult to pick out a few verses to meditate upon. I also read Duane A. Garrett's commentary, and found his comments regarding verses 19-20 very insightful.

 

In a carefully crafted quatrain,62 vv. 19–20 assert Wisdom’s role in creation. It is a fitting appendix to the previous hymn. This section anticipates 8:22–31. The main point there and here is that whoever abandons wisdom runs against the very structure by which the world was made.

 

62 יהוה stands outside of the chiastic structure of v. 19 (prepositional phrase with בּ + verb [verb + object]/[verb + object] + prepositional phrase with בּ); v. 20a, like v. 19a, begins with a prepositional phrase with בּ, but v. 20b, which has no prepositional phrase with בּ, breaks the pattern and concludes the quatrain.

 

Garrett, D. A. (1993). Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs (Vol. 14, pp. 82–83). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

 

I like to think of the bible as the User Guide to Life. Since we are created by God, who else can provide the best guidance on how to use his creation. When we choose to live as we think is best, in a way contrary to God's commands, we will experience a sub-optimal life. In Mathematics, sub-optimal solutions occur when there is not enough computer resources to calculate every possible combination of variables to find the maximum or minimum value of a surface (an equation). When the problem has many dimensions (i.e., many variables) as life does, the problem grows exponentially. But God is telling us that he knows what the optimal point is, and the key is for us to follow his commands, grow in our relationship with him, and seek his wisdom.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I still in rebellion to God? Do I consider myself god of my own life?
2. Am I willing to trust God and his wisdom for my choices in life?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see where I seek solutions to life that are contrary to your Word, your commands, and what is best for me based on your creation.

QT 7/5/2024 Prov 2:1-5, Making an effort to know God

Proverbs 2:1–5 (ESV) —

1 My son, if you receive my words

and treasure up my commandments with you,

2 making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

3 yes, if you call out for insight

and raise your voice for understanding,

4 if you seek it like silver

and search for it as for hidden treasures,

5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

 

NOTE: As Garrett comments, the whole text hinges on the "if" clause. There are three "if" statements followed by one "then" statement with two clauses. In another commentary the author laments that in today's culture, everything is fast, but wisdom comes slow and few make the effort or take the time to acquire what God offers.

 

Three "IF you …"

1. … receive my words … treasure my commandments … make your ear attentive to wisdom … incline your hear to understanding. We have to be actively looking and seeking God's word. It means getting up every morning and spending time seeking truth from God. It also means listening, that is, doing what you discover from God's word. The process is very intentional.
2. … call our for insight … raise your voice for understanding. We need to ask questions of our teachers and those who have clearly lived a life of wisdom. There are a lot of old people, there are a lot of old church people, but there are very few godly, rich in wisdom old people in our churches. Find them. Listen to them. Question them.
3. … seek for it like silver … search for it as hidden treasures. If it is important, you will make a priority of it. You will spend money, time, and effort to gain it. In life we spend money to make money. A business is a substantial investment in time, money, sweat, and tears to get off the ground. We do it to make money, but we seldom do it to acquire knowledge and wisdom from God. We expect to gain God's wisdom on the cheap (which is sad the we place God so low in importance).

 

One "THEN," two clauses.

1. … understand the fear of the Lord. If you think the fear of the Lord is "respect" for God, you really don't understand it. Fear is more than respect. There is a healthy understanding of great holiness and the fact of wickedness and how pervasive wickedness invades our flesh.
2. … find the knowledge of God. The infinite and vast God who inhabits a universe beyond our comprehension seems like a task beyond hope. In Islam, he is unknowable because he is transcendent. But God is knowable and has revealed aspects of himself to men and women through the ages. Jesus, the God-man, reveals God to us. Can we know all of God? Absolutely NOT. But we can know God. He wants us to know him. As the old scifi show says, "the truth is out there," but the truth is also right here, in our bibles, and in a relationship with Jesus Christ that happens when you believe.

 

PONDER:

1. What priority is knowing God to me?
2. What effort do I make to know God?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that I would make you truly the first priority in my life. I pray that you would continue to reveal yourself to me. I pray for wisdom from you to live my life.