“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered” Proverbs 17:27
Boy, is that true!
“ A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.” Proverbs 19:19
Boy, is that true!
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1
Boy, is that true!
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12
Boy, is that true!
“A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” Proverbs 28:7
Boy, is that true!
Just five proverbs….among hundreds that are found in the book of Proverbs. How much wisdom is contained within that one book, let alone the entire Bible!
God invites us to receive His wisdom, but will we accept his invitation?
“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
I remember when I was a younger man, and not yet a believer, I tried to solve my problems or forge my direction in life based either on my own preferences or on the advice of others. Unfortunately, the advice of others was often flawed, and my own sense of what was best for me was errant. When I became a believer, I considered the Bible to be a book about God and salvation, but not necessarily a book that I could turn to for direction and guidance. By God’s grace He revealed to me that the Bible had much to say about how a person should live, and that it was wise to follow the commands and principles that God had laid on the hearts of its writers. The problem was that I was prone to stray from God’s Word and go my own way, only to find myself in a bad way and needing to be rescued (again).
Now, with more than 50 years on the shelf, and almost thirty of them living as a believer in Christ, I am not so prone to wander away from the counsel found in God’s Word. I guess you can say that I have learned my lessons pretty well and I would rather stay under God’s tutelage than my own. The good thing is that God has blessed many people with the wisdom of His Word so seeking biblical counsel from a faithful brother or sister in Christ is part of God’s provision.
I want to encourage you this week to affirm or reaffirm your trust of God’s Word and that you would commit yourself to following its advice for your life. In so doing, you show reverence for God and a humble heart.
Remember God’s Word, and be encouraged by it:
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance— Proverbs 1: 1-5
Boy, is that true!
For Him,
Rob