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.