Proverbs - One Month of Wisdom

Proverbs / January 1, 2022

Proverbs 12

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Eternal Life and Rewards

1 To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

2 The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3 Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5 The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.

7 The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.

8 A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.

9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.

10 The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.

11 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13 The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.

14 Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17 An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28 The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 12:6

Our eternal life is what the gospel is all about when you really get to the meat of it. We are commissioned to go and make disciples to further the kingdom of God. This is not about saving lives as in “search and rescue” but rather about saving eternal life; connecting people who are holding on to the world with that God spark within them that will draw them to eternal life. When we interact with others from a perspective of agape, or unconditional love, this is the natural result.

The greatest and second commandments in the original Aramaic as spoken by Jesus translate:

“You shall maintain the condition of pure love for the Invisible Source of Creation in your entire mind and with your whole true self in all your actions and in all your thoughts. This is the greatest commandment and takes precedence over all. The second, which is like unto it, you shall maintain pure love for neighbor – anyone near to you or anyone you think about – as your true self. Upon these two commandments hang the law and its prophets.”

(translation acquired via dr. michael ryce with thanks to the scholars of the Yonan Codex Foundation)

Proverbs 12:14

The wise will speak well of their work and its rewards. Work approached in this manner is a sign that one is on the path to eternal life.

“Work is love made viable. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you sit at the gate of the temple and take alms from those who work with joy.

For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger.

And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distills a poison in the wine.

And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man’s ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.”

Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet – 1923

Proverbs 12:25

Worry will quickly move in on us when we are not vigilant in holding on to the peace we have in God. Worry accomplishes nothing and will not be present when we trust in God.

lynnibug

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Proverbs / January 1, 2022

Proverbs 11

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Honesty

1 The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.

2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

3 Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.

5 The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

6 The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.

8 The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.

9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die.

11 Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.

13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

15 There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.

16 A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

18 Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.

19 Godly people find life; evil people find death.

20 The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.

21 Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.

22 A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

23 The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment.

24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

26 People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

27 If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!

28 Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise.

30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.

31 If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners? (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 11:6

Life is not always fair, and bad things often happen to good people. Even more disconcerting is that often the treacherous and evil acts of others are never exposed. Honesty is what we expect from our leaders, but seldom do we hear the whole truth.

That evil people sometimes “get away with” evil things, is a fact of life on this earth, but ultimately there is no satisfaction for them in that accomplishment. They live with the fear of being discovered, and that fear separates them from that which is life. Honesty leads us into life.

There is still good news in this. When bad things happen to God’s people, God will use it for good.

Proverbs 11:14

The United States of America was founded by wise men, and in their wisdom they gave “we the people” the right, and the duty to wisely elect our leadership. This they did after prayerful contemplation, unashamed to mention God, our Creator, in the founding documents, in the courts of this land, even on the currency issued. To this day each session of congress opens in prayer.

Sadly, over the years, the freedom and constitutional principle that God belongs in our midst, has been all but lost as a vocal minority have chipped away at the foundations of our freedom. Honesty has given way to agenda and lust for more power and control. We must not be a silent majority any longer. We must not allow the law of our nation to put God in the closet for the sake of those who are uncomfortable in His presence.

We must pray for our leaders. We must understand the issues. We must probe to discern where the candidates really stand. And we must hold our leaders accountable for their actions.

This beautiful ballad by Norah Jones gives us another perspective on our elected leadership.

Click the image to access the video on YouTube

Proverbs 11:25

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism. And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space. Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.”

Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet – 1923

What could I possibly add to that?

lynnibug

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Proverbs / January 1, 2022

Proverbs 10

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

The Proverbs of Solomon

1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.

3 The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.

4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

5 A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.

6 The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

7 We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.

8 The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.

11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.

17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.

19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.

21 The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

22 The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

24 The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.

25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.

26 Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.

27 Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.

30 The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.

31 The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. (NLT)

insights

Proverbs 10:7

This verse really made me think.
It reminded me of a passage from classical
literature. In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony’s famous soliloquy begins,

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Ceasar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives with them. The good is oft interred with their bones. So let it be with Ceasar.”

Even a corrupt dictator was remembered by Mark Anthony for his kind, courageous, and generous acts. Those are the things that will be remembered, and though we are indeed flawed, those who survive us will recall that which is good, rather than our flaws and our faults. In the same way, by the blood of Jesus, God will not remember our faults if we truly belong to Him.

Proverbs 10:17

Solomon, in his wisdom, shows us for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When we do foolish things, there are always consequences. That is God’s correction. We can learn from our mistakes and grow in wisdom which brings us closer to God, or we can ignore His correction and continue in our foolishness. Solomon points out that we have a choice – to cling to that which is life, or to stray away from it.

Proverbs 10:25

“All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn’t mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child.”

music by Kevin Stokes & Tony Wood
recorded by Scott Krippayne

We can always count on God to get us through it, whatever it is, one way or the other. He is our rock, and if He is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

lynnibug

Sometimes He Calms the storm Music Video

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Proverbs / December 29, 2021

Proverbs 9

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Attributes of Wisdom

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. 2 She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. 3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. 4 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 5 “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”

7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Folly Calls for a Hearing
13 The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it. 14 She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city. 15 She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business. 16 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 17 “Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!” 18 But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave. (NLT)

insights

The attributes of wisdom sets the example for us. Wisdom has the strength to build her own house and to carve its seven columns. She has the skill and creativity to prepare a great banquet, even to mixing her own wine and setting her own table. She calls not only to the righteous, but to the simple as well. And she has personally attended to every detail. The attributes of wisdom result in a most elegant invitation! What an honor indeed to be welcomed into the presence of wisdom!

Everyone needs wisdom, and the attributes of wisdom in this chapter give us a standard to measure ourselves against. The knowledge of God is foundational to wisdom. We must therefore share our knowledge of God, not only with those we deem acceptable or worthy, but with all who come within our sphere of influence. Some will understand, some will listen and still not hear, and some will not listen at all. Some may mock you, even persecute you for your faith, but even then stand firm in your knowledge. Don’t stress over trying to convince those who do not want to hear. Call to them as wisdom calls, then let them make their choices.

The attributes of wisdom are the way of life, but wisdom is not the only one calling us. The way of foolishness calls to us as well. Foolishness will lead us away from wisdom, away from God, and into spiritual death. In this, the age of business, we are constantly bombarded with both of these voices, just like the stereotype of an angel on one shoulder and devil on the other, we are caught in the middle. We are constantly faced with the choice between clinging to life or clinging to death. We bring on much of our own suffering by our foolish choices.

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / December 28, 2021

Proverbs 8

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

insights

1 Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! 2 On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. 3 By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud,

4 “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. 5 You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. 6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, 7 for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. 8 My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it.

9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. 10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. 15 Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. 16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.

17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.

22 “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. 23 I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. 24 I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters. 25 Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born 26 before He had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil.

27 I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. 28 I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth. 29 I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations, 30 I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. 31 And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!

32 “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.

34 Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. 36 But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” (NLT)

Wisdom calls out to all of us. Some will hear her, most will not.

The bible teaches us that wisdom and intelligence are one and the same. They can both be defined as “accurate knowledge that leads to correct decisions.” This is what we will gain when we trust in God. It will not simply come upon us in an instant, wisdom must be learned by observation and experience. We will never know all there is to know, we must continue to seek a deeper understanding and a closer walk with God.

Just like the seductress in chapter 7, wisdom also roams about trying to get our attention. But wisdom calls out and then waits to advise us and to help us choose the path that is God’s perfect will for us. Many will never listen, but wisdom will continue to call out to them because God wants us all to have life in abundance.

Wisdom is to be valued above all else because wisdom is a gift from God that grows ever greater. Wisdom is not prideful, greedy, or deceptive in any way.

Wisdom was with God at the moment of creation, and God used wisdom as He created. We are therefore a product of His wisdom, as much as His wisdom is a gift bestowed upon us. Rejecting her when wisdom calls is the same as rejecting life itself. This points to the Garden of Eden, where God’s presence among all mankind was rejected through disobedience. It is through wisdom that we desire to return to Him, and by His grace and the blood of the Lamb, we are able to return to Him.

Wisdom will bless us as we journey through our lives on this earth. Wisdom will continue to reveal the living God to us daily if we will listen.

The wise person is joyful for the opportunity to wake each morning, and seek the beautiful nugget of wisdom that awaits us each day.

lynnibug

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Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / December 28, 2021

Proverbs 7

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Seduction – Another Warning about Immoral Women

1 Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. 2 Obey my commands and live!Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. 3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

4 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. 5 Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

6 While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, 7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. 9 It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. 10 The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart.

11 She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. 12 She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. 13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said,14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. 15 You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are!

16 My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. 17 I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,19 for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip. 20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month.”

21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

24 So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. 25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. 26 For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. 27 Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death. (NLT)

insights

In this great poem we experience the final lesson portrayed in proverbs as being told by Solomon to his own son. He emphasizes again that wisdom must be close to us, become part of us, be evident in our daily lives, and must guide our every decision.

Solomon is relating something he has observed from his window, and with this simple story he is teaching us that temptation is all around us, seduction waits at every turn. We must be both wise and vigilant to avoid danger and retain our freedom and integrity. “Be careful! Your enemy is the devil. He walks about, like a lion. He is looking for someone to kill and to eat.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The woman in the story embodies the seduction and temptation the world offers us from nearly every vantage point. We are constantly in danger because we are constantly in the midst of it. We may foolishly believe that we are in control, and can flirt with temptation to a point, but all too often we pass the point of no return and find ourselves trapped into something we know is not right for us. Now we want to run, to find an escape, but the seduction and the choices we made cannot be undone. We must face the consequences.

In this story the woman offers love, but gives only fleeting physical pleasures. The seduction offered fun, but the price was grave danger. Much of what seems to us to be attractive, when viewed in proper perspective turns out to be riddled with lies. Compromising what we know to be behavior that glorifies God, will only hurt us in the end.

lynnibug

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Proverbs / December 28, 2021

Proverbs 6

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Choices – Lessons for Daily Life

1 My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger- 2 if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said- 3 follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. 4 Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. 5 Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.

6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. 9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? 10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

12 What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, 13 signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. 14 Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. 15 But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.

16 There are six things the Lord hates- no, seven things he detests: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

20 My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. 23 For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. 24 It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.

25 Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you. 26 For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life. 27 Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? 28 Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? 29 So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished.

30 Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. 31 But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house. 32 But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. 33 He will be wounded and disgraced. His shame will never be erased. 34 For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. 35 He will accept no compensation, nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size. (NLT)

insights

It’s all about Choices. This chapter speaks to everyday situations and habits, and how to handle them with wisdom.

Have you ever been asked to co-sign a loan, or credit application? Have you ever been asked to post bail for a friend or relative or loved one? Sometimes it works out, and other times we are held responsible or made to pay for the actions of another. This can be a very dangerous trap, not only because we may suffer financial loss, but often it can cost us our relationship with that person as well. In this day and age, there is no begging to have your name removed from such a debt, so best we pray for wisdom prior to making such choices.

The good news is that God shows mercy when we make poor choices, and whatever we get ourselves into, He will be beside us to get us through it, even though we have made foolish choices.

Laziness is another of the foolish choices we often make. There is a time for work and a time for rest, a time for reflection and a time for recreation. To experience all of the wonderful plans God has for us, there is no room for laziness. Habitual laziness stagnates our existence. When we accomplish little, we feed the furnace of lack and scarcity in our lives. When we are not in motion to achieve something, we can achieve nothing.

This relates to both physical work and to the kingdom work. We are told in 1 Thessalonians that Jesus’ return will be sudden, and that some will not be ready. The great commission demands that we spread the word and make ready for His coming.

There are two kinds of people in this world, those who cling to life and those who cling to death by the choices they make. The wisdom of proverbs tells us what to look for in a person in order to avoid the influence of those who are clinging to death. Friendships and intimacy with those who cling to death will draw us away from that which nourishes life. Whether it be gang connections or an enticing seduction, the result is the same. We can not cling to spiritual life while flirting with spiritual death, so let wisdom guide you always.

lynnibug

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Proverbs / December 28, 2021

Proverbs 5

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Avoid Immoral Women

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2 Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. 3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. 4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. 6 For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.

7 So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: 8 Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! 9 If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved. 10 Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

11 In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body. 12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! 13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? 14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”

15 Drink water from your own well – share your love only with your wife. 16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? 17 You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.

18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. 20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

21 For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. 22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. 23 He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

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insights

Proverbs chapter 5 is a duality. It uses the obvious imagery of immoral women to speak about both immorality and the underlying cause, lack of self control.

Immoral women are attractive to a man in the same way as other evil things that may attract us, like drugs, alchohol, showing off at the wheel of a car, gambling…we all know the list, and we all have our own personal favorite poison as well. Sometimes it is so easy to do the wrong thing, and so hard to do the right thing, but we must at some point consider that our personal poison is indeed offensive to God.

Although evil ideas like immoral women can be attractive to us, what do they leave us with? Broken homes, disease, physical injury, financial loss, anguish, guilt, loss of the respect of those closest to us, spiritual death, and some-times even physical death.

Temptation is so great that Solomon warns his sons not to even go near immoral women. Solomon’s father, David, had fallen into just such temptation when from a distance he saw a beautiful young woman naked in her bath. If David had just looked away, he could have avoided much pain.

Instead he watched, then sent for her, then lay with her and impregnated her. To cover up his behavior, he arranged for the woman’s husband to be killed in battle. As a result, he lost the son of their union and his older sons fought him. David turned back to God and asked for forgiveness (Psalm 51), and God forgave him. Solomon was the second son of David’s union with Bathsheba, and no doubt felt strongly on this subject considering he came from such a dysfunctional family situation.

Time is a valuable commodity, and we must learn to use it wisely. So also is our strength. Let that time and energy be spent on what is most valuable, our spouses and children, and serving our Lord. That is where we will find love and contentment.

In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus explains that anyone who hears His words and follows them, is like a man who builds his house on a foundation of stone, and those who hear His words and do not follow them are like a man who builds his house upon the sand. One will remain after the storm and the other will be swept away in it. In the same way, our emotions do not provide a sound foundation upon which to live our lives, but seeking wisdom and following God’s guidance is the strongest foundation we can choose.

                                          lynnibug

Proverbs / December 28, 2021

Proverbs 4

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

A Fathers Wise Advice

1 My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, 2 for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions. 3 For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

4 My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.

7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

14 Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. 15 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving. 16 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. 17 They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!

18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (NLT)

insights

The poetic lines in verses 1-9 speak of a family tradition. From fathers to sons, over many generations, the instruction to seek after wisdom has been handed down. It is an ancient message and has survived the generations because it has proven to be true. If this was not so, we might find Solomon teaching his royal heir about royal matters, but for Solomon, and his ancestors, Wisdom had more importance, and was valued above worldly things.

Wisdom is compared to a woman in that if she is honored and well treated, she will bring much joy and comfort. She will protect you if you love her.

Life, when lived according to God’s plan, is a journey. When we plan our journey with wisdom, we can avoid many dangers. We need never walk alone. He will provide for our needs and lead us to what Jesus described as mansions, when he said he would prepare a place for us to dwell with Him forever.

Solomon will teach his sons to seek wisdom so that they will be strong. He references the words of the prophet Isaiah 40:31, “when they walk, they will not become tired, when they run they shall not fall.”

He contrasts this to the evil doers who can find satisfaction in nothing but their evil ways. Just as a person in our society might deny themselves good food and proper clothing in order to obtain the drug to which they are addicted, Solomon describes those following the ways of evil as unable to eat, drink, or sleep until after they have accomplished their evil deeds. This point is driven home with eloquence in the poetry of verses 18 -19

Now Solomon reminds his audience just how important these lessons are. They bring life and healing to those who understand them because they direct us in the way God intended for us to live.

Guard your heart, don’t let the world pull you away from your true self, the core of your being formed of pure love! Watch what you say, because what you speak becomes your reality and can separate you from God and from your true self that longs to be with God!

Look forward as you journey, stay focused and don’t get sidetracked by worldly things, for as Jesus said in Luke 9:62,”No man places his hand upon the handle of a plough and looks backward, and is useful in the Kingdom of Elohim.” AENT*

lynnibug

*Aramaic English New Testament published by Netzari Press.

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Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.

Proverbs / December 28, 2021

Proverbs 3

I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.

Trusting in the Lord

1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, 22 for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. 23 They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. 24 You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.

25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26 for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. 30 Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.

31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways. 32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.

33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.

34 The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.

35 The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame! (NLT)

insights

As the wise Solomon teaches his own son, he is fulfilling God’s instructions given in Deuteronomy 6:7-9. ‘Teach God’s law to your children. Talk about God’s law at home! Talk about it, when you travel! Talk about it, when you lie down! Talk about it, when you wake! Tie the words of God’s law on your hands! Tie the words about your head! Write God’s law on your doorposts and gates.’ By doing this he is living God’s law, not just talking about it. he is teaching his son to do the same. In other words we are to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Those within our circle of influence will recognize and respect us when our deeds speak louder than our words.

We must trust in God, and not our own pride or worldly knowledge. Keeping God in our thoughts will keep us centered in love, and making our day to day decisions from the perspective of love. In this attitude we can “plug in” to His guidance and stay on the path which is life.

Solomon teaches his son to trust in God, first and foremost, and with all his heart. Some people trust wealth, others trust governments, an still others trust luck or fate. These may fail us, but God never fails us. Some trust God, but not all the time, giving part of their lives to God, but pushing him out of other parts. He desires and is worthy to be Lord over our lives, at home, in the work place, on vacation, all of it.

The God who created heaven and earth desires to walk with you and lead you on the path that is life. He will provide for you, He will discipline you, He will delight in filling your life with abundance and joy. He knows the future and can see what lies ahead with every choice we might make. Wisdom then dictates that accepting His guidance will result in the best possible choices, leading us to the the most joyful and most fulfilling result.

We must honor God with the best we have to offer. The best of our time, our talents, and our wealth. All that we give to Him , and to honor Him, will be returned to us many times over.

Solomon was very wealthy, but he knew that true wealth is not money. Wisdom is worth far more than money. We can put our money in the bank and earn a little interest, we can hide it in our mattress for fear the banks may not remain solvent, but wisdom will yield a higher return than any bank or financial investment we may find. Wisdom can lead you where no financial advisor can take you.

David, Solomon’s father, wrote, ‘Even when death is near, you (God) are with me. So, I am not afraid. You guide and comfort me’ (Psalm 23:4). David felt the same discomforts we do when he was in danger, and he faced many dangers; but he trusted that God’s joy was in his spirit, and was able to face those dangers with courage rather than fear.

Wisdom is the foundation of creation. Wisdom will keep us safe, guide our steps, bring us peace, and keep us steady when temptation and danger lurk. It teaches us kindness and sensitivity, to help without delay when needed, to live in harmony with others, and to be humbled by God’s grace. Seeking and embracing wisdom, will be honored by God, but foolishness will result in shame and tie us to worldly discontent, rather than the abundant life God desires for us.

lynnibug

To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.

Comment on your journey at WisdomBlog.