Proverbs 24:21-22 "Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?"
Don't hang out with jerks. Not only are they jerks to you, but others. And others see you and jerks. (v. 1-2)
Wisdom builds a house.
Understanding establishes a house.
Knowledge fills a house with treasures.
Wisdom begets understanding, understanding begets knowledge, knowledge begets strength. (v. 3-6)
Step in and help if someone is being led to death. Come on! Not doing something is still doing something. (v. 11-12)
Honey is sweet to the taste, as wisdom is sweet to the soul. (v. 13)
The righteous man may fall, but he is restored. Not so for the wicked. (blamelessness) (v. 16)
Gloating over a fallen enemy is discouraged. Who gave you victory? And why be a jerk, why drive a deeper wedge between you and your enemy? (v. 17-18)
Don't worry about the evil, who worry and don't have the hope you have. (v. 19)
Lance Ito. (v. 24)
Tit-for-tat revenge is not your place. (v. 29)
Poverty is a result of laziness. (v. 30-34)
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Pr. 19: Good Grief, Still More Proverbs for Living
Proverbs 19:3 "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. "
Blamelessness trumps wealth. (v. 1)
Zeal without knowledge...yeah, I've seen it, and often I've had it. It's ridiculous and of no substance. Also, it's a caution against doing things in such a hurry you miss "the way." (v. 2)
Boom, a man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. So I wonder how much personal torment that God is blamed for that is a direct result of that person's own folly...foolishness, poor choices, sins... (v. 3)
How many of my relatives are shunned because of their poverty. This Proverb isn't suggesting this OK, merely stating what happens. There are several proverbs like this. (v. 7)
You care about your soul, you will acquire wisdom. (v. 8)
Fools don't belong in luxury, its dangerous. (v. 10)
Patience overlooking an offense is a result of the active pursuit of wisdom. (v. 11)
You can't inherit a prudent wife like you can houses and wealth. She is from the LORD. (v. 14)
Not disciplining your son is akin to being a willing party to his death. YOu have only so much time to contribute to his being a wise person. (v. 18)
A sluggard is too tired to eat even though his hand is full of food. That's odd. Even though you may have a provision, you still may not be able to eat it.(v. 24)
Blamelessness trumps wealth. (v. 1)
Zeal without knowledge...yeah, I've seen it, and often I've had it. It's ridiculous and of no substance. Also, it's a caution against doing things in such a hurry you miss "the way." (v. 2)
Boom, a man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. So I wonder how much personal torment that God is blamed for that is a direct result of that person's own folly...foolishness, poor choices, sins... (v. 3)
How many of my relatives are shunned because of their poverty. This Proverb isn't suggesting this OK, merely stating what happens. There are several proverbs like this. (v. 7)
You care about your soul, you will acquire wisdom. (v. 8)
Fools don't belong in luxury, its dangerous. (v. 10)
Patience overlooking an offense is a result of the active pursuit of wisdom. (v. 11)
You can't inherit a prudent wife like you can houses and wealth. She is from the LORD. (v. 14)
Not disciplining your son is akin to being a willing party to his death. YOu have only so much time to contribute to his being a wise person. (v. 18)
A sluggard is too tired to eat even though his hand is full of food. That's odd. Even though you may have a provision, you still may not be able to eat it.(v. 24)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Pr. 10: Proverbs for Living
Proverbs 10:13 "Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment."
This is a new way of presenting proverbs. Solomon has combined a list of couplets here, seeming non-sequiturs. Each couplet demonstrates what happens to a wise person, or what that wise person does, while including a second line about what happens to a fool, or what the fool does. Very simple stuff. None of these couplets require a lot of expository commentary by the author. Rather, as mentioned in an earlier chapter, these proverbs will make you think. These are the father's instructions.
I simply read through the list, and its a rather quick read, if you don't sit and dwell on them. It's a lot of stuff that seemingly would be common sense, but are also truths from God. Laziness makes you poor? True. A man has to work to get paid and to get fed.
Verse 15 gave me pause.
Verse 19. You have nothing to say? That's ok. When you run your mouth, the greater the chance to sin against somebody.
The wicked really have a pretty disheartening existence here in chapter 10. Their hopes come to nothing, they are swept away in the storm, they will be overtaken by what they dread, they will not remain in the land. But these are the people who reject God and reject wisdom. Conversely, consider what is a part of following God. A prospect of joy, standing firm in the storm, not being uprooted. Its all good.
This is a new way of presenting proverbs. Solomon has combined a list of couplets here, seeming non-sequiturs. Each couplet demonstrates what happens to a wise person, or what that wise person does, while including a second line about what happens to a fool, or what the fool does. Very simple stuff. None of these couplets require a lot of expository commentary by the author. Rather, as mentioned in an earlier chapter, these proverbs will make you think. These are the father's instructions.
I simply read through the list, and its a rather quick read, if you don't sit and dwell on them. It's a lot of stuff that seemingly would be common sense, but are also truths from God. Laziness makes you poor? True. A man has to work to get paid and to get fed.
Verse 15 gave me pause.
"The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. "Does this mean that the fortified city comes from wisdom? Or is it simpler than that. Maybe the rich "only" have their fortified city, unconcerned with true riches from God. And perhaps God is the salvation of the poor.
Verse 19. You have nothing to say? That's ok. When you run your mouth, the greater the chance to sin against somebody.
The wicked really have a pretty disheartening existence here in chapter 10. Their hopes come to nothing, they are swept away in the storm, they will be overtaken by what they dread, they will not remain in the land. But these are the people who reject God and reject wisdom. Conversely, consider what is a part of following God. A prospect of joy, standing firm in the storm, not being uprooted. Its all good.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pr. 9: Rebuke the Wise
Proverbs 9:10 "Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you."
Like a dinner party host, wisdom in her perfection invites all to come; the simple, those who lack judgment. They are invited to partake of wisdom's food: life and understanding.
She seeks to instruct the wise, those who would listen. To correct mockers, people with no interest in wisdom invites insult. Mockers are people who have it all figured out in their own mind. They have no need for instruction, and will fall victim to folly, suffering and death. I hope I am not a mocker. I hope I have the sense to realize I need instruction (this blog being surface evidence). I want to be wiser still (v. 9). That comes through fear of God at the beginning.
The woman Folly is the opposite, undisciplined, unknowing. She invites people to drink stolen water, and eat food in secret. But inside her house is not the lavish banquet and riches. Rather, death.
Like a dinner party host, wisdom in her perfection invites all to come; the simple, those who lack judgment. They are invited to partake of wisdom's food: life and understanding.
She seeks to instruct the wise, those who would listen. To correct mockers, people with no interest in wisdom invites insult. Mockers are people who have it all figured out in their own mind. They have no need for instruction, and will fall victim to folly, suffering and death. I hope I am not a mocker. I hope I have the sense to realize I need instruction (this blog being surface evidence). I want to be wiser still (v. 9). That comes through fear of God at the beginning.
The woman Folly is the opposite, undisciplined, unknowing. She invites people to drink stolen water, and eat food in secret. But inside her house is not the lavish banquet and riches. Rather, death.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pr. 8: Wisdom is Eternal
Proverbs 8:34 "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. "
Where the detrimental ways of the prostitute and adultery were enumerated previously, wisdom's call and benefits are chronicled here in the 8th chapter. Wisdom, too, calls out in the streets, for anyone, everyone to hear. She (hmm, wisdom denoted with the female gender...) calls out to men, suggesting that wisdom is perfect fit for people. As man is with woman, wisdom is for all people. It was meant to be that way.
Rather than riches, it is suggested that man choose wisdom's instruction. What good are riches if you are a fool? But how much more valuable is discernment and prudence?
I discovered something new about wisdom here. It was by God's wisdom (wisdom the "craftsman" v. 30) that He was able to create. It was wise for God to create what He did, the way He did. Not only that, wisdom was brought forth as the "first" of His works. I'm not sure if that was the first thing God did, as that suggests a timeline for a God who transcends time. Maybe in this case it is the most important of his works? It does say, "Before" these various items were created, Wisdom was given birth. Which suggests that wisdom is alive. A living being.
Like a teacher to a fidgety pupil, "Listen to my instruction" and "Listen to me" are written again, like in every previous chapter. This is important.
Where the detrimental ways of the prostitute and adultery were enumerated previously, wisdom's call and benefits are chronicled here in the 8th chapter. Wisdom, too, calls out in the streets, for anyone, everyone to hear. She (hmm, wisdom denoted with the female gender...) calls out to men, suggesting that wisdom is perfect fit for people. As man is with woman, wisdom is for all people. It was meant to be that way.
Rather than riches, it is suggested that man choose wisdom's instruction. What good are riches if you are a fool? But how much more valuable is discernment and prudence?
I discovered something new about wisdom here. It was by God's wisdom (wisdom the "craftsman" v. 30) that He was able to create. It was wise for God to create what He did, the way He did. Not only that, wisdom was brought forth as the "first" of His works. I'm not sure if that was the first thing God did, as that suggests a timeline for a God who transcends time. Maybe in this case it is the most important of his works? It does say, "Before" these various items were created, Wisdom was given birth. Which suggests that wisdom is alive. A living being.
Like a teacher to a fidgety pupil, "Listen to my instruction" and "Listen to me" are written again, like in every previous chapter. This is important.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Pr. 3: Wisdom is Good.
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."
We have here more benefits to wisdom. Long life and prosperity chief among them. Who wouldn't want that? How do you get wisdom? Before, we read that it was the fear of the LORD. In a more practical sense, it is by listening and following the teaching of the writer, which I assume is Solomon. He's been around the block a time or two, and was given the gift of wisdom directly from God, and, as you'll recall, as a necessity in order to run his kingdom.
A result of acquiring wisdom and making wise decisions is actual, physical prosperity. Not just the wealth of having a close relationship with God, which I just can't reconcile, at least not the way David did. David craved God 24/7. A person also receives good health and overflowing barns. That's a pretty sweet deal.
Discipline is required for wisdom. Not just working at it everyday, but God's discipline to man. Unwise decisions will be made. God corrects, and it says he corrects those he loves. So discipline is a love language.
Wisdom is also akin to finding a good woman. Beauty and wealth and protection belong to her.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Pr. 1: Introducing Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
Proverbs. The first chapter is divided into three sections and they include:
1. The purpose of Proverbs. What's the point?
2. Warning against Enticement. Don't go with...them.
3. Warning against Rejecting Wisdom. Wisdom is good.
Wisdom. Discernment. Knowing right from wrong. Common sense. Fear of God. These are the things that came with wisdom when Solomon asked for it at the beginning of his reign in 1 Kings 3. So what's the point? Israel was given the ten commandments. They were also charged with keeping their end of a pretty serious covenant. They were also given numerous regulations and guidelines for living in Leviticus. While a lot of it was practical, there wasn't much that included visual aids...object lessons.
Proverbs are sayings that don't directly issue commands. These are things that will require some thought, some discernment. Verse 5 says "Let the wise listen," which seems that there are people who perceive themselves wise, that they have it all figured out. But they lack understanding. So here are the proverbs to provide that understanding.
Here is a warning to listen to the instruction of those who have gone before. To listen to expert instruction. To listen to experienced teaching. Does that not make sense? This section tells a person not to throw their lot in with people who seek to harm others. The promise is for good things, valuable things, but they are their own victims.
If a person rejects true wisdom, they do unwise things, right? Foolish things. The result is calamity and God's judgment. Not just because of the rejection of wisdom, but rejecting wisdom is the gateway to doing stupid things that lead to rejecting God.
Proverbs. The first chapter is divided into three sections and they include:
1. The purpose of Proverbs. What's the point?
2. Warning against Enticement. Don't go with...them.
3. Warning against Rejecting Wisdom. Wisdom is good.
Wisdom. Discernment. Knowing right from wrong. Common sense. Fear of God. These are the things that came with wisdom when Solomon asked for it at the beginning of his reign in 1 Kings 3. So what's the point? Israel was given the ten commandments. They were also charged with keeping their end of a pretty serious covenant. They were also given numerous regulations and guidelines for living in Leviticus. While a lot of it was practical, there wasn't much that included visual aids...object lessons.
Proverbs are sayings that don't directly issue commands. These are things that will require some thought, some discernment. Verse 5 says "Let the wise listen," which seems that there are people who perceive themselves wise, that they have it all figured out. But they lack understanding. So here are the proverbs to provide that understanding.
Here is a warning to listen to the instruction of those who have gone before. To listen to expert instruction. To listen to experienced teaching. Does that not make sense? This section tells a person not to throw their lot in with people who seek to harm others. The promise is for good things, valuable things, but they are their own victims.
If a person rejects true wisdom, they do unwise things, right? Foolish things. The result is calamity and God's judgment. Not just because of the rejection of wisdom, but rejecting wisdom is the gateway to doing stupid things that lead to rejecting God.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Job 28: Searching For Wisdom
Job 28:12 "But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?"
Job spends this chapter riffing on wisdom. Why?
We've read about Solomon's treasured wisdom, so in general its important, but how does it apply to Job? Job's friends have discussed a lot of important things, but they have been pilloried for not applying them to Job's predicament. In what way would wisdom be useful to Job? Is he wise to keep pursuing God on this issue? Would wisdom once attained show Job why God did what he did? Or would it put Job at peace with never really receiving a satisfactory answer?
The first eleven verses deal with the search for valuable things. A lot of effort and danger and commitment goes into mining for precious stones and useful materials. All these things are eventually found.
But then we hear that man doesn't ascribe the value to wisdom that it deserves. Man doesn't know how valuable it truly is. Perhaps this is why there are so few searching? If, like Job says, God is the author of true wisdom, what does that make the knowledge of those who don't know him? Those who refuse to seek after him? The fear of the Lord is wisdom.
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