31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 31

Photo Courtesy of ZeRo 'SKiLL

Review

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

After exploring one chapter a day for the past 31 days, today we put the finishing touch on this study of the book of Proverbs.  Together we've explored 915 verses, and blogged and digested well over 15,000 words, detailing just part of the vast volume of wisdom available to us.  You have shared plenty of comments, conversations, and thoughts along the way, for that I am so thankful.

Chapter 31 is probably the most well-read chapters in the whole book, and for great reason.  The chapter details the values of the virtuous woman, and it generally works it way into every Mothers' Day church service.  Often overlooked, though, are the first nine verses, specifically verses 8-9.  This is where I want to head - the underdog verses.

I enjoy the underdog.  In cinematic adventures, some of the most successful movies (and many of my favorites) include the story of a person who doesn't belong - the underachiever who becomes an overachiever.  From Braveheart to Gladiator to the Star Wars saga, each of these movies includes a hero who rises up from the shadows and reaches the forefront in search of justice for their people.  Who knew they contained parallels to Proverbs?

We are commanded to speak for those who cannot speak, to provide protection for them.  And we are to seek justice for everyone, not just those who can afford it.  They are easy to ignore, yet hard not to see.  I know I don't do enough as an advocate.  How about you?

There are those today who take this charge quite seriously.  Some day read Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.  Tell me he's not devoted to acting upon his beliefs. Check out charitywater.org. Their campaigns allow everyday people to raise money for clean and safe water in developing countries.  Read about Troy Yocum at drumhike.com.  A Iraqi war veteran who decided it was time to help veterans who needed assistance, he's wrapping up a walking tour across America.  Today he's a bit over a month away from finishing his 7,000 mile quest, and has raised over $460,000, as well as national awareness, to help our vets.

What's your plan in helping others?  No matter the size, it's time to start somewhere.  If you are already helping others, where can you do more?                      

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 31: 8-9  - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.  Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Quote

In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same. - Albert Einstein

Related Scripture

James 3:16-18 - For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.  But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Prayer

Oh Dear Heavenly Father, may Your church once again be the voice for those who have nothing, as once we were.  May Your work and heart's desire flow through us and into the communities around each and every one one of us.   

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 30

Photo Courtesy of marcomagrini

Review

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

I love how we really have no idea who Agur is, but yet we can relate so easily to what he's sharing with us in this chapter.  He's weary. He's worn out. He's struggling with his relationship with God.  Yet in it all, he acknowledges that every word from God is true, and therein lies his confidence.  The part I enjoy most is verses 7-9, where he begs God for two things - to be honest in all he says and does, and to be content.  Which of these two requests feels easier to achieve in your life, my friend?

Imagine for a moment being the person who everyone recognizes as the most truthful person that they know.  Whether it be an encouraging word, a whisper of kindness, or a phrase of painful honesty - regardless the circumstance, you always hold to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  How different would that look in comparison to the person you are right now?

But what about contentment?  Are you really content with your life right now?  The world promises you that the next biggest thing is right around the corner.  You are told to need, want, desire, and crave everything, and  that you just can't live without the next brightest, newest thing.  All you have to do is go get yours!  Why suffer with last year's model when you can have next year's model today?

Here's the key: what do you need - absolutely need - and what do you just want?  Try this - take a step back - pause - and evaluate what's truly going on in your life.  Ask input from trusted friends and family.

And back to honesty - do you want people to always be honest with you?  Share the truth - and only the truth.  It's contagious.

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 30:7-9

O God, I beg two favors from you,

Let me have them before I die.

First, help me to never tell a lie.

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!

Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

For if I grow rich,

I may deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?"

And if I am too poor, 

I may steal and thus insult God's holy name.

Quote
Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. - Epicurus

Related Scripture

1 Timothy 6:6-8 - Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.  After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.  So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Prayer

O God, I beg two favors from you,

Let me have them before I die.

First, help me to never tell a lie.

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!

Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

  

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 29

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Review

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

A fair amount of discussion in this chapter is centered around discipline.  Whether he's referring to disciplining a child, or correcting an adult, the message from Solomon is the same - correction is a necessity at all ages of our lives.  Here's the rundown of what strikes me from Chapter 29-

1. Verse   1 - If you don't accept criticism, you will be destroyed.
2. Verse 15 - Disciplining a child produces wisdom, while the lack thereof brings disgrace on the family.
3. Verse 17 - Disciplining will produce peace of mind and happiness in a parent's life.
4. Verse 18 - Want a joyful life?  Obey what you know is correct.
5. Verse 19 - Discipline involves more than just words - it requires actions, a commitment, and love.

I am living proof that disciplining a child will not destroy them, if done in the proper way. Considering how many times I was spanked and otherwise reprimanded, I cannot think of a time when my parents ever acted out of anger - they always acted out of love.  My improper actions were clearly explained to me, and the consequences were laid out just sa clearly.  Did I enjoy it?  No.  Did I respect it?  Maybe not always, but it was nice to know my parents cared for me. And I certainly respect them more for it.    

Unfortunately the correction didn't cease to be necessary as I became an adult.  Even now, I need people around me who are willing to speak truth in to my life.  I am fortunate that I have a wife and friends willing to call me out when necessary.  It makes me a better person, and it strengthens our relationship.

Who do you have in your life that loves you enough to correct you?  

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 29:1 - Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

Quote

The correction of silence is what kills; when you know you have transgressed, and your friend says nothing, and avoids your eye. - Robert Louis Stevenson

Related Scriptures

Hebrews 12:10-11 - For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving me so much that you still correct me.  I pray that as time goes on I will require less correction: still, I do want to thank you for all the love You show me.  May I never take Your affection for granted, and may I be a shining testimony of a life forever changed by grace.  

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 28

Prison Cell by Aapo Haapanen

Review

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

While I was in college eons ago, I studied under a professor who had a profound effect on my maturing and developing not only into a candidate for the police academy (the school, not the movie) but also as a young man.  Darrell Pope ("The Pope" as we lovingly called him) created and developed the criminal justice program at my school, and he was one of the most beloved instructors on campus.  Everyone knew who he was, and what he stood for, regardless of whose toes he might be stepping on in the process.  But his priorities were always (1) God, (2) Family, then (3) Profession.

After a stint in the US Air Force during the Korean War, Pope joined the Michigan State Police, where he quickly became a leading authority on criminal behavior, especially sex crimes and crimes against children.  His research, which covered 38,000 sexual assault cases in the great state of Michigan between the years 1956-1979, revealed that 41% of the offenders viewed porn just before or during the crime.  And some people say porn is harmless....

One of the most astute things I remember from him (and trust me - there's tons of material from this zany, tender-hearted man) was this -

If you want to determine whether a person is guilty or not, lock them up all by themselves in an isolated cell.  Do they quickly fall asleep, or are they going crazy with worry and fear?  If they are guilty of the crime, this might be the first moment of peace and quiet in their minds for a while, and the shut eye is long overdue.  If they aren't guilty, how do they rest knowing they have been accused of a crime they didn't commit? Our conscience has an amazing amount of control over our bodies, even if we're doing all we can to ignore it.

Verses 17 and 18 line up with what The Pope was teaching.  I think of Judas Iscariot, who after betraying Jesus, goes and commits suicide, unable to deal with the reality of his actions.  Our actions have consequences far reaching beyond that initial moment.

As The Pope would always wrap up each class, "Remember - Be Careful Out There!"        

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 28:17-18  - A murderer's tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don't protect him!  The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.  

Quote

Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. - Voltaire

Related Scriptures

Jude 1:17-19 - But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your forgiveness from my sins.  Please help me keep my priorities straight in this world that's so full of distractions.  Protect me from evil, so that I can share Your love, goodness, and salvation with others.     

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why? 

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 27

Photo courtesy of Martha de Jong-Lantink 

Review

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

Chapter 27 spends a good portion of its focus dealing with friendships.  Not just having friends who encourage and uplift you (as we all need and desire), but having a true friend willing to share the truth with you, even if the words might sting a bit (gulp!).  Verses 5, 6, 9, 17 and 21 all deal with a friend who is focused on improving their friend via the truth.

There are times in my life when I don't necessarily see everything that's going on, or that I'm doing.  I'm oblivious to it all. And in my ignorance, words are said and actions are taken, and both have unintentional consequences.  These are the times when I must rely on my true friends to help me see the error of my ways.

Who do you have sharing the brutal honesty with you?  Who in your life is willing to reprimand you when need it, who is willing to kick you in the butt if you need it?  There are plenty of people willing to say flattering things about you - at least to your face.  But how many will be truthful, no matter how hard the words might be to share and digest?  

Key Verse For Me

Proverbs 27:6  - Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

Quote

But what is the good of friendship if one cannot say exactly what one means?  Anybody can say charming things and try to please and to flatter, but a true friend always says unpleasant things, and does not mind giving pain.  Indeed, if he is a really true friend he prefers it, for he knows that then he is doing good.  - Oscar Wilde

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival. - CS Lewis

Related Scriptures

Romans 12:10 - Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, use me to be the voice of truth in my friendships.  Also may I clearly receive wisdom from those You have placed around me. 

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 26

Photo Courtesy of Leo Reynolds

Review

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

Back on the second day of this month-long journey through Proverbs, I made the following statement: "What strikes me so clearly as I study the book of Proverbs is that there are no contradictions contained within the 31 chapters." Go ahead, click here to read the thoughts from July 2nd before you read any further.


That's a bold statement, and one that I stand behind emphatically because I believe each and every word contained within His Holy Word to be perfect and divinely appointed.


So what do we do with Proverbs 26:4-5?  Those verses are this - 


Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.
Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.


Two verses, one before the other, apparently giving the reader two different and conflicting ways of dealing with how to respond to the same person, an arguing fool. What gives?


Quite simply, there are two opposite ways of dealing with the fool, depending on the possible reactions and outcome.  There are times when engaging a fool won't do you or the other person any good.  Their mind is made up, and no amount of reason from you will hold their ear.  In the end, you are only going to get hurt in attempting to engage this particular fool.  There are times, though, when your addressing the person might help them see the error of their current ways.  If nothing else, they need to hear a dissenting voice full of truth speaking to them in a loving manner. 


So how do you follow the advice from these 2 verses?  Here's a few thoughts - 

• Pray about it, seek the right words from God, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your response.
• What's your history with this person?  Do they tend to listen, or just argue? How have these conversations gone in the past?  That's a pretty good indicator of how this conference is going to shake out.
• Seek wise counsel from those who you have available to lean on.  How would they handle this debate?
• When in doubt, and without prompting from the Holy Spirit, don't engage unless absolutely necessary.   

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 26:12 - There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise.

Quote

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. - Bruce Lee

Related Scriptures

James 1:19 - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Prayer

Dear Mighty Counselor, thank You for guiding my steps as I follow You.  May I forever look to You first for guidance.  May I apply James 1:19 in each of my conversations.    

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?