Proverbs 1-18 Lessons of the heart

Just like the psalms, this book contrasts the heart of those who seek God - the righteous with those who do not - the foolish.

The righteous are those who incline their heart to understanding by listening to wisdom, praying for discernment, and seeking it like a hidden treasure .  It is the Lord who gives wisdom and speaks knowledge and understanding.  Therefore we are to trust Him, bind HisWord to us and write it on the tablet of our hearts.  We receive the Word, we hold fast to it, we don't allow ourselves to turn aside from it.  We guard our hearts and seek continually to gain knowledge.

When the Lord gives us His wisdom and understanding we will rest and be glad.
We will ponder what to answer instead of blurting out evil.
We will teach our mouths to speak rightly.
We will have kindness and truth in our hearts.

Yes, this is the heart we desire.


The heart of the foolish, those who deny God, spurn reproof, refusing to listen.  Their hearts are perverse.  They devise wicked plans. They desire what they believe to be beautiful, but what is actually false. They have cunnings hearts and they are lured away by the cunning of heart.  They cannot discern prudence or wisdom. "The heart of the wicked is worth little", Proverbs 10:8 says.
Their perverse hearts are an abomination to the Lord.  They will serve the righteous.  They will be despised.  They are deceitful.  They speak folly. They cannot spread knowledge. They are proud. They cannot even buy wisdom.  They cannot even find what it is good.

Father in heaven, Almighty and Righteous God, keep our hearts pure.  Fill our minds with Your Words and teach us Your ways.  We seek understanding that comes from You, from the Words that You have given us. We want to discern what is good in Your sight.  We want to be intelligent and prudent in You.  We look to You, the source and beginning of all wisdom and knowledge.  Thank You for Your great love and grace towards us who call on Your Name and on the Name of the Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  Amen.