Proverbs 16 

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." ( v1)

"All the ways of a man are clean in his sight, but the Lord weighs the motives." (v2) 

"The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." v9 

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (v25)

Four verses in this chapter emphasize the point that many people don't get.. God is sovereign!  We try to make our own plans... are encouraged to have a 5 year plan.. or to "follow our dreams".  Yet, in truth, we do not know what tomorrow holds.. in fact we do not know what the next hour holds!  But, we have a great God who knows ALL things and has a plan for us that is greater than anything we can think up. So.. what do we do?  Make no plans?  Not at all... 

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its own purpose." (v3-4a)   The psalmist wrote, "The Lord will accomplish ( or perfect) what concerns me..." fulfilling His purposes in and for us.   In His lovingkindness, He will do what only He can do.. as long as we are willing. 

The wisdom of God's word helps us to make the right kinds of plans... 

Plans that include "lovingkindness and truth"... walking in the "fear of the Lord." We are exhorted to walk in ways that are "pleasing to the Lord".  We are to pursue righteousness and not money; Justice and not injustice; using " a just balance".. speaking what is right.. valuing wisdom and understanding more than anything money can buy.  We are called to be humble and trust in the Lord; discerning and sweet in our speech. We are reminded that to he who is "slow to anger is better than the mighty".

No matter who we are.. a king or a peasant.. we recognize that "every decision is from the Lord".. not by chance when a "lot is cast".  We have been given the gift of wisdom and understanding.. through God's word.  

"He who gives attention to the word shall find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord." 

Father in heaven, You are holy and wondrous in all Your ways.  We praise You for You are worthy of all praise.  Establish our paths in Your ways, Lord. We want to walk in Your righteousness and truth. Fill us with Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding that we might please You in all we do and say.  In Jesus' name, amen. 

 Proverbs 15  This chapter has a lot to say about what we say and how we listen. 

Verse 1 starts with.. " A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."   We also see that a wise man will  ".. make knowledge acceptable ( or good)" v2  He will have a "soothing tongue" which will be " a tree of life" v4  He will "spread knowledge" v7  He will pray.. to the "delight" of the Lord. v8 He will be slow to anger and calm contentions.. v18

"A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word." v23"Pleasant words are pure.. " v26"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer.. " v28  The Lord "hears the prayers of the righteous." v29

To walk in wisdom and righteousness starts with listening.. regarding "reproof "; accepting "discipline". Seeking knowledge and sharing knowledge. Pursuing righteousness.. and feasting on the treasures of God's word. It is finding godly counselors and staying away from the foolish.  

" He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.  The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility." (v31-33)

Sadly, we live in a society that has forgotten how to find knowledge and how to teach truth.  The wisdom of this world is full of lies and foolishness.  Romans 1:22 is true today.. "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image...  they exchanged the truth of God for a lie.. "( v22, 23, 25)  The world rejects discipline and reproof.. for people have rejected God.  Verse 10 ( of Proverbs 15) is a strong warning.. "Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die." 

"Sheol and Abandon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men." (v11)  Our great God sees into our hearts and offers "life-giving" word that we need to pursue and treasure, so that we can walk in His ways.  Only then can we bear the fruit of gentle answers, soothing words, good knowledge and delightful prayers!

O Father in heaven, most glorious and great!  Fill our hearts with Your word.. so that we might have godly wisdom that is pure and peaceable, gentle and reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy ( James 3:17).  May we not forsake Your discipline.. training in righteousness.. but help us to pursue it with diligence and steadfastness.  Fill us with reverence and awe in Your Presence and overwhelm us with Your love we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen 

Proverbs 14  As I read through the proverbs.. to seek out wisdom.. to learn how to walk in the ways of the Lord and please Him in what I do and say..I  have come to realize how much of this is taught in the New Testament.. both by Jesus and by His apostles.  I also have found some that stop me.. and make me think! 

For example, verse 4 "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much increase comes by the strength of the oxen."   Is it talking just about oxen? There is less work when there aren't animals to take care of, but also less profit and provision..  Or is it another way to say that life without wisdom may take less work.. but is also a lot less useful? Hmm.. 

Also, verse 10 "The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy."  There is a truth there.. for we, like Mary, hide things in our hearts.. both sadness and joy at times.  Is this just a wise saying?  Or are we to gain understanding from it?

Another one from this chapter that stands out to me is verse 14 "The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his."  This truth makes me think of people who just cannot cope with the world any longer.. they seem to "have it all".. but...just can't live with it. Suicide has become the way out for many of them.  On the other hand.. to be satisfied with what you have and who you are.. has become a rare thing in our society. We know that it is only in Christ Jesus that we truly find that way... the narrow way that leads to life. May we, like Paul, learn to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in!

A good proverb to remember is verse 22 "Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good."  O Lord, may we go through our days.. devising good!

One more highlight from this chapter.. verse 30 "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones."  Now "passion" in this verse means jealousy or envy.... to be zealous in a bad sense. But "tranquil" can also be translated as "sound".. meaning whole.. healed.. at peace.  This takes me back to the I Peter 3:4 passage from the Bible study on Sunday night.. ".. let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God."  What a beautiful calling we are given.. to have the heart of Jesus.. humble.. at peace.. not anxious or fearful.  It truly is a beautiful adornment.. bringing "life to the body" and to the soul. 

Father in heaven, You have made us and desire us to walk in Your ways.. that we might find life.. abundant and free.. precious in Your sight.  Help us to walk in the Light of Your Word, by the power of Your Spirit at work in our hearts.. in our hearts that belong to the One who gave His life for us. We thank You that we have been given the Living Water that will never run dry.. and the Bread of Life that will satisfy us day by day and hour by hour as we lean on Jesus. We are the branches.. Jesus is the Vine, we abide in You.. may we bear much fruit for Your glory and honor.  We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Proverbs 13  The contrast between the wise way of the upright and the foolishness of the wicked fills the pages of this book.  We cannot help but see the great difference in the lives of those who choose to fear God and walk in His ways!  Thankful for such a great God and Savior who leads us through His Word and gives us the Supreme example.. His Son, Jesus Christ. 

In this chapter we continue to learn to walk in wisdom by accepting "discipline".. training in doing what is right and good. This is what the writer is sharing with us..

 We learn that:

Choosing to do good is fruitful and satisfying, while choosing violence leads only to more treachery. 

Guarding our mouths will "preserve" our lives.. while speaking without discretion will lead to "ruin". 

A "sluggard" can wish and desire everything.. but receive nothing.. but a man who is diligent and works hard will be satisfied.

A "righteous man hates falsehood, but a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully." (v5)  

We are kept safe by walking in righteousness.. but the wicked will fall. 

A rich man may pretend to be poor.. and a poor man may pretend to be rich.. but in truth, if our lives are wrapped up in our riches.. it will cost us. 

A righteous man walks in the light and rejoices. The wicked man stumbles in the dark.

To walk in God's wisdom is to do good and be rewarded.. it is God's plan for us..  He gives us understanding and knowledge, so that we might act, speak, and live in the way that honors Him.  His wisdom is personal.. it affects our relationships with spouses, children, friends, and neighbors.. even our cities and countries. His will is clearly spelled out in these words of wisdom.. so it is good that we seek it diligently.. be attentive  to it.. heed it.. treasure it.. and share it with others. 

"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.. " (v22).  More than material goods.. it is vital that we leave a legacy of a godly life.. leaving God's words of wisdom and understanding for the future generations.  May it be so!

Father in heaven, may we walk in the fear of the Lord, with wisdom and understanding by the work and power of Your Spirit in us.  Conform us to Your truth and transform us to be like Jesus.  May His gentleness and peace, grace and truth, characterize our lives so that He is seen in us.. and draw others to know Him.  We ask this is His wonderful name, Amen. 

 Proverbs 12  Verse 28 says, "In the way of righteousness is life.. "  This chapter continues to contrast the way of life and the way of destruction..  

"Choose life.. " the Lord said to Israel.. "See I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that I command you  today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments.. that you may live.. So choose life.. by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice and by holding fast to Him... " ( Deuteronomy 30: 15-20)

Solomon is telling us the same thing in Proverbs.. he is setting out the path of wisdom and righteousness so that his readers will choose life.  From this chapter we learn that this means:

That we love discipline and knowledge.

That we do good and obtain God's favor.

That we are established in righteousness.

That we bring honor and not shame to our families.

That are thoughts are just and not deceitful. 

That our words are upright. 

That our homes stand firm in righteousness.

That we have honorable insights and not perverse thinking. 

That we don't think too highly of ourselves. 

That we care for our animals with compassion.

That we take responsibility for our own needs by working hard. 

That we will receive the fruits of our toil and be satisfied. 

That we will be delivered from troubles.

That we will listen to wise counsel. 

That we will be careful when we speak.. always truthful and right. 

That we will use our words to heal and not harm.

That we will have peace and joy in our hearts. 

That we will be a delight to the Lord.

That we will offer good words to the anxious and righteous guidance to those around us.

Most of all, we will be diligent to walk in His pathways.. so that we might have Life.

Father in heaven,  may we delight You today.. choosing to walk in Your paths.. obeying Your Word. Fill us once again Holy Spirit, so that we might live according to the wisdom of the Lord our God.  We choose to love You with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.. to love our neighbors as ourselves.. and to hold fast to Jesus as we trust You to hold fast to us. amen. 

 Proverbs 11   "Contrast the upright and the wicked". 

Let's start with the wicked... 

They cheat others and that is an "abomination to the Lord."

Their pride will result in them being dishonored.

Their falseness and treachery "will destroy them". 

Their riches will not save them. 

Their wickedness will result in their own fall. They will be caught in their own treachery and greed.

He has no hope or expectations.

He will find himself in trouble. 

His mouth will harm his neighbors.

When he dies.. others rejoice.

Their cities are brought down by their wickedness.

They despise their neighbors and speak things that they should not. 

They have no guidance and give no guidance.

They make foolish promises and regret them. 

They use violence to gain riches and deception to earn money. 

They pursue evil to their own demise. 

They are "an abomination to the Lord" and will not go "unpunished". 

They lack discretion. 

They receive wrath. 

They withhold wages.. and food from those in need.

They trust in their own riches instead of God. 

They bring harm to their own homes. They leave no inheritance. 

They become servants to the "wise hearted."

This is true.. in our own generation.. in our country and around the world. We see it clearly with our own eyes.

Now.. let's look at the "upright"... 

They are just in their business practices.

They have humility and wisdom.

They have integrity which guides them in the way.

They receive life.. delivered from death, delivered from treachery, and delivered from greed.

They are delivered from trouble. They have knowledge that brings blessing.. to them and to their cities.

They watch what they say and are not gossips or rumor mongers.

They are trustworthy.

They seek wise counsel and find victory. 

They are gracious and honorable.

They are merciful and do good.

They "sow righteousness" and are rewarded.

They are steadfast in doing right.

They delight the Lord in all they do.

They only desire good and not evil.

They are generous and do not withhold blessings to others.

They diligently seek good.

They flourish in their righteous living. 

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls. If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner." 

Father in heaven, we are so thankful for Your Word.. to show us the way of life.  We see clearly the path that is narrow that leads to life and the road that is wide that leads to destruction.  Jesus has shown us this wisdom in His own life and teachings.  Help us to honor Him in all our ways.. to trust You with all of our hearts.. and to know Your counsel in every aspect of our lives.  We desire good.. we desire to delight You in our lives today.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit.. with truth and wisdom.. that we might flourish in our land. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and King. Amen. 

 Proverbs 10  The wise man built his house upon the rock... but the foolish man built his house upon the sand.. Yesterday, we looked at the wise man.. today it is fitting to see the other side... 

A foolish son.. brings "grief to his mother."  He will not profit from his "ill-gotten gains."  The Lord will not indulge his wicked cravings. 

A foolish person is negligent in his work.. shameful in his responsibilities.  He will suffer for it. 

His mouth is vile and his name is rotten.  He babbles on about foolish things and is "thrown down". 

He "perverts his ways".. he makes light of trouble.. stirs up strife.. and has no understanding. 

His mouth will bring him to ruin and poverty.... punishment is his lot.  He lies and slanders.. and sins continually. "Doing wickedness  is like sport to a fool;" 

There is a "whirlwind" heading towards this wicked person and he will be destroyed. His life will be cut short. 

Lazy.. the fool is not wanted anywhere. He has no hope.. no expectation of heaven.. but only of ruin. 

There are way too many people that choose this life of wickedness and foolishness because they will not trust in God.. they have no fear of the One who made them, loves them, and will willingly save them from themselves.. from sin.. and from eternal death. 

Father in heaven,  we pray for those who are walking in this darkness.. that they might behold the Light of the world..  Give them ears to hear and to repent and be saved by the grace poured down from heaven, through Jesus Christ the Lord.  Even now, Lord, may eyes be opened and hearts changed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ the risen King.  We ask this in His mighty name, amen. 

 Proverbs 10  The next 9 chapters of Proverbs give us contrasts between a life lived in the wisdom of God and one that is not.  Over and over Solomon teaches and preaches the blessing of living in that wisdom and the devastation of living in folly.  

A life that is lived in the wisdom of God will...make your parent's glad and deliver you from death.

 It will keep you from hunger as the Lord provides... and be seen in one's diligence and hard work. 

 The wise person will be blessed.... and their memory will be blessed after they are gone. 

They will receive commands, walk in integrity and security.. their words will be a "fountain of life". 

They will love.. and forgive..

They will be discerning and knowledgable. 

They will "have life".   As Jesus said, " .. I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10) 

They will "restrain their lips".. and when they speak it will be valuable.. "as choice silver".  Their words will be like food to the hungry. 

They build their lives on solid ground.. "an everlasting foundation". They fear the Lord, have hope and gladness.. and "will never be shaken".  

"The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom"  and "bring forth what is acceptable". 

Paul wrote that he prayed for the believers to be" encouraged".. "knit together in love".. and "attaining to all the wealth that comes from full assurance of understanding, resulting in the true knowledge of God's mystery, that is Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."  ( Col. 2:2-3)  

Father in heaven, grant to us this "full assurance of understanding".. that results in knowing Christ more.. that we might find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Him so that we can walk in righteousness.. glorifying Your Name.  We seek You and desire earnestly to live according to Your Word. Fill us Spirit of God that we might walk in wisdom and understanding.  It is all in the Name of  Jesus Christ who gives us true life that we ask these things. Amen. 

 Proverbs 9  There are two houses.. the one built by wisdom and the other occupied by the "woman of folly".  Both call out to us.. to the "naive".. to the simple.. offering "understanding".. The Hebrew word  here is "leb".. it is used to indicate the feelings, will, and the intellect.. as well as understanding, wisdom, or courage.  It could be translated as "heart" or "sense".   

It is what all of us need and desire.. to understand the ways of life, to have the wisdom to live well, to make the right decisions, and to be all that we can be... all that the Lord desires for us!

But, the voices we listen to make all the difference!  The voice of wisdom calls for us to "forsake folly".. to "fear the Lord" and to seek "knowledge of the Holy One."  This is where we will find life. 

The voice of folly is "boisterous" and "naive".  It tells us that "stolen water is sweet" and "bread eaten in secret is pleasant"... but it is the way of death.  Jesus said, "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known."  ( Luke 12:2)  Which voice are we listening to?

Again I am find myself thinking about the fact that wisdom is not elusive.. but calls to us.. eager for us to hear and choose to walk in her ways!   James wrote, "But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." ( James 1:5)  He also writes that those who think they are "wise and understanding" should let it "show by his good behavior, his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." (3:13)   The wisdom "from above" is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.. " This is the wisdom that calls to us and leads us to truth and life. 

Jesus taught the way of wisdom so clearly.. the sermon the mount especially expresses the need to choose the way of wisdom.. the "narrow way".. the house built on rock.. the laying up of treasures in heaven. O, may the God of grace give to us that wisdom from above that we might walk in His light!

Father in heaven, thank You for the blessing of Your Word that leads us to life.. to wisdom and understanding in Christ Jesus the Lord. We seek Your wisdom and pray that You will lead us in the way of righteousness.  Deliver us from the temptation to listen to worldly, ungodly voices.  Open our ears to hear Your Voice and to obey Your will, for we ask this in faith.. in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 Proverbs 8  The first 21 verses of this chapter emphasize the availability and the value of wisdom. The writer likens wisdom to a woman who calls out.. from the mountains.. on the paths.. at the gates.. everywhere that men and women are.. calling us to listen so that we can discern truth and walk accordingly. Wisdom does not hide.. but we must seek her. 

Verses 6-9 remind me of Philippians 4:8 "Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.."   Wisdom says.. " I shall speak noble things..my lips will produce right things.. my mouth will utter truth..  the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness.. There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge." This is why the words of wisdom are of utmost value.. better than silver or gold... jewels or anything that one could desire.  

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate."  The counsel of wisdom and understanding enables kings to reign well.. for rulers to "decree justice".. to "judge rightly".   Wisdom is the way to "riches and honor" to "enduring wealth".. to fruit that is better than gold.  It is the way of righteousness and justice.  We need to pray earnestly for our government to have godly wisdom!

Verses 22-31 Wisdom proclaims, "The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth."  In wisdom the seas and springs, the mountains and hills, the earth.. the dust of the fields.. the skies above.. all of creation came into being.  "And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in the world, His earth, and having my delight in the sons of men."   There is a beauty in this picture of creation.. of God's delight in all that He made.. with great wisdom and power. 

"Heed my instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me.. for he who finds me finds life.. " ( v33-35)  Once again wisdom calls to us.. 

Father in heaven, Holy God and Creator of all things.. thank You for loving us and teaching us through Your word.. the way of wisdom and righteousness.  Give us ears to hear.  We seek Your will.. turning our thoughts towards Your Word. Fill our minds and hearts with what is true and noble.. lovely and praiseworthy.. all this is right and blessed.. through the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the Name of Jesus Christ through Whom all that was made came into being. Amen. 

 Proverbs 7  This is another warning about the "wiles" of the immoral woman.  Whether we take this literally or figuratively.. this is an earnest plea for the "son" to choose wisdom and understanding over the temptations of the world. 

".. keep my words.. treasure my commandments.. and live.."  the writer tells his son.. and our Father tells us.  "Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.. "  This is the way to "keep you from an adulteress".   This echoes Psalm 119:11 "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.."  

As we read, meditate on, and live by our Father's Word.. we find ammunition and protection from the spiritual temptations and attacks.  It is spiritual armor.. .truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation.. through Jesus Christ. 

The naive.. the foolish.. the one without discernment and "lacking sense".. this is the one that does not turn aside from the "boisterous and rebellious" .. the one that "lurks by every corner"  with a "brazen face". We have all faced these kinds of people and perhaps have even yielded to the call of the world.. maybe not an adulteress.. but another strong spirit of sinfulness. 

We need the words of this father.. and of our heavenly Father.. "listen to me.. pay attention to the words of my mouth.. Do not let your heart turn aside.. do not stray into her paths".. for it leads to destruction  and death. 

It is so vital that we not only heed these words for ourselves.. but to teach our children and our grandchildren these truths!  This world.. our country.. is becoming more and more "boisterous and rebellious".  There is great pressure upon this current generation.. to accept what is wrong.. in God's eyes.. as right; and pressure to accept what is right.. as being wrong..  as "judgmental" or intolerant...  

This is what we need to prepare our kids and grandkids for.. by giving them the Word of God and exhorting, encouraging, and pleading with them to follow Jesus and obey His Word.  We must be praying for them every day.. so that they can choose the right path.. God's way of wisdom and life.. and not be led down the "way to Sheol".. lacking discernment and understanding that only God can give. 

Father in heaven, this is my prayer, for all of my children,  grandchildren and great-grandchildren.. that they would know You and Your Son, Jesus Christ who is the Wisdom of God, the Savior and coming King.  Let Your Word fill their hearts and minds.  Help us to be a voice of wisdom and love... and examples of grace and truth.  We pray this in the Name of Jesus our Lord. Amen. 

 Proverbs 6 

Wise advice: 

V1-5  In a case where your words have gotten you into some kind of position that you shouldn't be in... in some kind of debt to a neighbor or stranger.. "Do this.. and deliver yourself.. Go, humble yourself.. "  Don't sleep until you are freed from this obligation that has snared you.   

V6-11  Don't be lazy! Work!

V12-15  Don't be like the wicked, worthless person who lies.. devises evil.. and causes strife. His end will be sudden and terrible. 

v16-19 "There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him." These are: haughtiness, lying, taking innocent lives, making plans to do evil.. and doing it, giving a false testimony, spreading strife. 

V 20-23  Again, the son is reminded to "observe" the words of his father and his mother.. to learn from all that they are trying to teach him.  "Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck."  If we will take in God's Word like this, then we will find guidance in our daily walk, security in our sleep, a light to our path, and discipline that will give us "life". 

V24-35  Once again the message of purity and faithfulness is emphasized .. stay away from the ones that would tempt you to do evil.  It will not go well! 

To walk in the ways of God, we need to continually concentrate on the Word of God.. take it in, breathe it, feed on it, draw from it.. practice it. This is wisdom! And this is life.. 

Father in heaven, thank You for the Holy Spirit who writes Your commandments on our hearts and puts Your laws into our minds.. Who teaches us the way to walk.. to know You and to be Yours.  Thank You for the New Covenant through Jesus Christ the Lord who shed His blood that we might be saved.  Thank you that we can "enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is His flesh.. " ( Hebrews 10:19-20)  We are drawing near to you with sincere hearts.. holding fast to our confessions.. our hope in You "without wavering" for You are faithful!  Hallelujah and Amen.  Help us to walk in Your wisdom .. by faith that is ever growing.. in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

 Proverbs 5  The father continues to warn his son about the ways of the world.. "My son give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding; that you may observe discretion, and your lips may reserve knowledge."  

These instructions focus on the temptations of immorality.. and the consequences.. bitterness, death, instability, loss of strength, loss of everything.. "And you groan.. when your flesh and your body are consumed.. "   Sometimes the mistress is human.. sometimes it is a different thing that we humans are seduced by.. wealth, drugs, fame... whatever idol comes into our lives and draws us away from wisdom, understanding, and discretion. 

We are reminded here that.. ".. the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths.."  We do not want to choose the broad road that leads to destruction.. but to "Enter by the narrow gate.. for the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life.. " (Matthew 7:13-14) 

Father in heaven, whatever temptations come our way.. we pray for You to lead us away.. lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake.  Deliver us from the evil one and guide us into Your wisdom. Write Your words on our hearts and flood our minds with what is "true.. honorable..right.. pure.. lovely.. of good repute.. excellence and praise worthy" ( Phil. 4:8).  We ask this is the Name that is above all names, the Name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen. 

 Proverbs 4  This whole chapter is a plea.. perhaps a prayer.. from father to son.. a fierce desire for his son to choose life.. to choose to walk according to "sound teaching".. to gain wisdom and understanding.. to value it.. "acquire" it at all cost. 

"I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths."  The father has tried to lead his son in the "upright paths".  The paths that he learned from his own father..  "When I was a son to my father.. then he taught me and said to me,  'Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments.'"

Keep! Acquire!  Do not forsake... prize her.. hear.. accept.. take hold.. give attention.. incline your ear.. "Do not let them ( his words) depart from your sight...  Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life...." (v23). "Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the paths of your feet, and all your ways will be established." ( v 25-26)

This is the teaching that fathers need to give to their sons.. mothers to their daughters.. all of us.. to teach the next generation the truth of God's word that leads to life and light.  "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day."  A life that values and pursues wisdom and understanding from the Word of God is a life that we earnestly desire for our loved ones. 

"The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble."  This is what the world is like now. Everywhere we look there is violence, sorrow, anger, hatred, and despair.  This is what life without Christ leads to... O how we pray that our loved ones do not walk down those paths!

Father in heaven, my heart cries out to You, that You would lead my children, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren to Life through Jesus Christ the Lord. Give them a heart to seek You.. to keep Your commandments.. to know You and serve You. Give them a desire.. a hunger and thirst for Your Word that will lead them to the path of righteousness. Father, open their ears to hear and their hearts to receive Your wisdom today. This is my plea and my prayer.. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Proverbs 3  If I were to sum up the first two chapters of Proverbs I would say.. listen to the right Voice and not to any other voices.  The wisdom of God leads to life.. "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies drip with dew."  ( 3:19-20)   God established all of creation by His wisdom.. it makes sense that the only way to live well in His creation is to walk in that wisdom.. and the only way to gain that wisdom is through His Word. 

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life. And peace they will add to you. "  Solomon may have been addressing his son here... but it is also our Father in heaven saying to us, His children, don't forget.. keep my Word.. for it is life to you!

This is what walking in wisdom looks like.. 

v3 Kindness and truth cover you and fill your heart.

v5 You trust in the Lord...leaning on His understanding and not your own.. 

v6 You realize He is ever present in your walk.. in your life.. in your conversation.. "in all your ways". 

v7 You realize that you are not all wise.. but He is.. so you keep your eyes on Him.

v9-10 You honor the Lord with all that you have.. all your belongings, all your resources, everything. 

v11-12 You accept discipline and reproof.. knowing the Lord loves you and wants the best for you and from you. 

v27-29 You do good to your neighbor when you can.

v30-32 You don't start fights for no reason..or choose to live like those who do. 

This life of walking in the wisdom of the Lord is a blessing.  Verses 13-18 tell us that it is more profitable than silver or gold, more precious that jewels, and better than anything else you might desire. It leads to a "long life".. with "pleasant ways".. to "riches and honor".  Even more.. it brings security (v23), allows you to sleep in peace (v24), and helps you endure any "onslaught of the wicked" that comes your way.. for the "Lord will be your confidence". God gives grace when we are afflicted(v34).. He is intimate with us ( v32) and He will grant us honor.. (v35).  

Father in heaven, thank You for these marvelous blessings!  May we continually walk in Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding that we might honor You with all of our being.  Be our confidence.. be our every present Counselor and Keeper. Discipline us as needed. Keep talking! Give us ears to hear and hearts to receive. Thank You, Lord, for helping us to remember and to keep connected.. as the branch is connected to the vine.. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the True Vine, and our Good Shepherd. Amen. 

 Proverbs 2  Verses 1-5  "IF".."THEN"   Here is the crux of the matter.. If we receive..treasure..make our ears attentive..incline our hearts towards.. cry out for.. lift our voices for .. and seek wisdom and understanding and discernment... Then we "will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God."  As chapter 1 revealed... wisdom is available.. but we must act.. by listening, receiving, and choosing to live accordingly... 

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up wisdom for the upright;"    God is the source and the provider.. there is no other!  Not only that, but He shields us, guards our paths, and preserves our way.  It is "abiding"... as Jesus said in the upper room... "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you."  

As we abide in Jesus.. He speaks His wisdom and understanding to us.. so that we can walk according to His will.  "Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course, for wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil.. "  (v9-12a)

What a promise!  We pray "deliver us from evil"..  and according to verses 12-19 that includes those who "speak perverse things;"  those who "leave the paths of uprightness"; those who "walk in darkness".. those who "delight in doing evil".. those who "rejoice in the perversity of evil"; those who are "crooked.. devious" and immoral.  "So you will walk in the way of good men, and keep to the paths of the righteous." (v20)

The promise is sure.. the righteous will live.. the wicked will perish.  The only way to righteousness is through Jesus Christ the Lord. We need to make that choice.. choose life.. choose wisdom.. choose righteousness.. seek Jesus, make Him our treasure, make our ears attentive to His voice, cry out to Him, incline our hearts towards Him.. and seek Him and His Kingdom.. First!

Father God, blessed is Your holy Name. We seek to abide in Jesus, to gain the riches of wisdom and understanding that only He can give.. so that we can walk in righteousness.. in justice. in goodness.. and peace.. and most of all in Your Love. Fill us Holy Spirit.. continually, we pray., that we might abide in Him!  In the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

 Proverbs 1  Wisdom... Tozer wrote.. " Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning, so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision. All God's acts are done in perfect wisdom.." ( from The Knowledge of the Holy). 

Solomon wrote, " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." ( 1:7)  The book of Proverbs stands on this foundation.. it was written to impart "wisdom and understanding".. to instruct "in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity".   It is meant for the youth.. ( but is for all of us)... who are naive and lack discretion and understanding.  Just to be willing to receive "wise counsel" is a step in the right direction.  

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching." Wisdom starts from childhood.. learning truth from our parents.. learning to fear.. revere a Holy God and to heed His Word. 

Verses 10-19 give us the first lesson in living a prudent and wise life.. "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.... do not walk in the way with them.. "  

The wicked want to do evil.. they "lie in wait for blood".  They "ambush the innocent".  They steal and kill and hate.. which leads them to "ambush their own lives." 

Instead.. we need to listen to the voice of wisdom.  Verses 20-33 personify wisdom who "shouts in the street.. lifts her voice in the square.. cries out" in the streets and at the gate of the city. 

Wisdom is not elusive.. it is available if one is willing to just listen! 

When wisdom calls.. let us not refuse! 

"Turn to my reproof, behold I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you."   Let us not neglect wise counsel or ignore godly reproof.  We need to choose wisdom.. choose to fear the Lord.. choose to accept godly counsel.. choose to listen that we might "live securely and.. be at ease from the dread of evil." 

Father in heaven, You are all wise and wisdom is from You.. so we bow before You in reverent worship.. hallowing Your Name.. for You alone are Lord of heaven and earth! Praise the Name of the Lord!  Father, we want to walk in Your ways.. the way of wisdom.. so help us to listen and to obey Your Holy word. Fill us with Your Spirit.. the Spirit of wisdom and grace.. that we might walk in Truth and become all the You will for us to be. Grant us this wisdom which is from above.. pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy.. ( James 3:17)

 Thank You for this Word. Amen. 

 Mark 15-16  The trial before the High priest ended.. and they found it necessary to bind Jesus.. this Man of Sorrows.. this humble, beaten, calm, peaceful One.. they tied His hands and led Him to Pilate. 

They made their accusations.. they slandered Him, blasphemed against Him, and demanded that He be crucified.  Even Pilate saw through their lies... but he could not satisfy them any other way.. but to order that Jesus be crucified.  And so He was... 

Mocked.

Beaten. 

Spit on. 

Brought to the hill and nailed to a cross. 

There He died... just as He said. There He gave up His Spirit and took upon Himself our sins. There.. the cup was emptied.. the penalty paid.. It was finished.

Joseph buried Jesus in the tomb.. and the women watched carefully. They were not finished with Him yet!

Then came the morning!  The stone was rolled away.  The body was no longer there.  Jesus had risen, just as He said!  He appeared to Mary.  He appeared to His disciples. He appeared to many others. Then, He ascended into heaven.. where He waits for the time when He can come again. O Lord, haste the day!!

Father in heaven, only Jesus could take upon Himself the sins of the world.. and pay that great penalty for our eternal salvation!  What a beautiful and wonderful Savior! Thank You for this great salvation which is ours through faith in Jesus Christ. Fill us with the Spirit of Jesus to go and "preach the gospel to all creation". In Jesus' name we ask this, amen. 

 Mark 14  The time was almost there... in just a few days everything would change.. Jesus would give His life up for us.. His body would be broken. His blood would be shed. He would die on a cruel cross.. be buried in a rocky tomb.. and in three days... He would rise again!

This chapter begins with an unusual anointing.. an alabaster vial of pure nard would be poured out on His head... "She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial."  

The disciples prepared for the last Passover with Jesus in a borrowed room and gave a startling announcement... that " one of you will betray Me - one who is eating with Me." 

The bread was broken. The cup was served.  Jesus gave a different meaning to both of these.. The bread was broken.. like His body would soon be.  The cup was a symbol of His blood that would soon be "poured out for many.. as  a "covenant".. a testament.. a contract. 

Peter made a promise that he would never deny Jesus.. and Jesus told him that he would not be able to keep that promise.. in fact that denial would come three times before the morning... his "spirit" was willing, but his flesh was weak.. Peter could not even keep himself awake while Jesus prayed the most important prayer.. in His distress and troubled grief. 

Judas came as the ultimate betrayer.. the soldiers came with clubs and swords.. the trial was chaotic.. the verdict a sham.. and Peter.. denied even knowing Jesus.. three times.. and left, weeping at his own failure. 

Father, one believed and prepared.. one denied and wept.. one betrayed with a kiss.. many fled from the chaos.  Some determined to do away with the Savior.. no matter what.. not even knowing that what they did would result in the salvation of many, many more.  Help me to do what I can.. for the glory of Jesus Christ. Let me believe and receive all that Jesus died to give me.. and know that He sees my failures and still loves me.  Help me to trust.. to rest in You.. to know that no matter what.. You will not leave me or forsake me.  Thank You for the grace poured out on us through Jesus Christ the Lord.  Hold us in Your hands and fill us with Your Spirit. Amen. 

 Mark 13 Sitting on the Mount of Olives with His disciples, Jesus gives us a picture of what the end days will look like.. and warns us to be alert.. not mislead.  Over and over He exhorts His listeners to "take heed" and to "be on the alert." 

So, we must not be mislead by false "saviors". 

We are not to be frightened by "wars and rumors of war." 

We must not worry about being delivered to courts, governors, or kings.

We must not be anxious about our testimonies.. but trust the Spirit of God to give us the words.

We must endure to the end, even if we are betrayed by our own families. 

We must pray and be ready for the day of great tribulation. 

Again, Jesus restates His warning about "false Christs". 

Then.. will come the day that we are waiting for! 

The stars will fall.. the heavens will shake.. and we "will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory!" 

We do not know the day or hour.. but we do know that He will come for His "words will not pass away." 

Father in heaven, we are trying to "take heed" and remain alert as Jesus commanded us to do. We are looking for His return and resting on His promise.  Keep us in Your hands. Prepare us for that day.. sanctify us through and through.. preserving us "complete, without blame at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ."  You are Faithful and You will bring it to pass. Hallelujah ! Amen. 

 Mark 12  The parable of the vineyard gives such a clear picture of God's dealings with Israel.  He established the nation.. "planted a vineyard, and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press and built a tower.. ".  He brought the people of Israel into the land.. "and rented it out to vine-growers".  He anticipated fruit!  " And at harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, in order to receive some of the produce..". 

But, Israel treated the "slaves".. the prophets.. terribly.  They beat, wounded, and killed God's servants just like the vine-growers did the slaves. 

"He had one more to send, a beloved son, he sent him last of all to them saying, 'They will respect my son.'"   But, they did not.  The vine-growers killed the heir and claimed the land.  The Israelites killed Jesus and claimed the kingdom..  Just like the land-owner, God would come and destroy the one who killed His son.. The nation of Israel was brought to ruin.. the temple destroyed.. the people scattered.  

But, O the grace of God.. He kept a Branch...

The rest of this chapter deals with the various questions that the religious elite tried to trap Jesus with:

The Pharisees and Herodians questioned Him about paying taxes.. and He stunned them by His answer, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." 

The Sadducees questioned Him about the resurrection.. and Jesus set them straight  "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures, or the power of God?"

The scribe questioned Him about the greatest commandment and Jesus gave him the exact verses that he believed.. "Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

The final question was the one Jesus asked of His opponents... "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?"   If David called Him "Lord".. how is He his son?   Only Jesus could fit that description.. the Son of man.. who is also the Son of God. 

Father in heaven, we have so much more to learn about You and the wisdom of Your Word.. the greatness of our Lord... the life of obedience and love. Thank You for sending Your Son.. for not leaving us hopeless and imprisoned in darkness and sin. Spirit of God, give us understanding that we might grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We ask this in His marvelous name. Amen. 

 Mark 11  The King entered Jerusalem.. on a donkey.. as foretold by Zechariah " Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (9:9)   The people responded with songs and shouts of praise.. with laying clothes and branches before Him.  They had to know that something special was about to happen... 

The next day, Jesus, the Great High Priest, cleansed the temple.. demonstrating His authority and angering the chief priests and elders. Jesus would not answer their question about whose authority He had... for they would not believe Him anyway...It was right in front of their faces and they couldn't accept the truth. 

In between these events.. on the trail between Bethany and Jerusalem, was a barren fig tree.  A tree that Jesus searched.. hoping to find fruit.  When there was none.. He cursed the tree and it withered and died. Jesus told His disciples to "Have faith in God."   Whatever they asked would be granted as long as they believed. Even if they asked for a mountain to be moved.. it would happen...as long as they believed. 

The crowd believed the King was coming. The chief priests would not believe anything.. and the disciples were exhorted to just believe and ask. 

Where do we fit into this picture?  We believe that our King is coming again.  We believe in the authority and power of Jesus Christ.  But, do we believe that we can ask and be answered?  

Father in heaven.. help us to have this great faith.. to live in the light of Your Word, believing.. asking.. and not doubting.  Fill us, Spirit of God, to walk in faith throughout this day..simply having faith in God. Thank You. amen.