This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
On three separate occasions since beginning this study of Proverbs, I've had conversations with readers who question Solomon's authority and ability to comment on moral issues, because he violated God's command not to marry followers of any pagan gods. With 700 wives and 300 girlfriends, Solomon was influenced by the ladies in his life to pervert God's truth.
The reality is that Solomon was just a man - a powerful man and a rich man - but just a vessel that God used to pass on His wisdom. Solomon was wise beause it was the LORD's knowledge that was shared with him - and through him. In and of himself, Solomon was a mere mortal. But as a divinely appointed author, the words Solomon pens aren't just words. They are words breathed in him through the Great Author of everything that exists. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
What can be said about Solomon can also be said about us. We each have access to the completed volume of Scripture. We have the ability to access our heavenly Father at any moment. We are far from perfect. But perfection should be a goal in each and every one of our lives. We are called to do what's right, to walk down the straight and narrow path of truth, and to be a testimony to others around us. All we have to do is open the instruction manual and read. Oh, and that's not an option. It's a command.
The reality is that Solomon was just a man - a powerful man and a rich man - but just a vessel that God used to pass on His wisdom. Solomon was wise beause it was the LORD's knowledge that was shared with him - and through him. In and of himself, Solomon was a mere mortal. But as a divinely appointed author, the words Solomon pens aren't just words. They are words breathed in him through the Great Author of everything that exists. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
What can be said about Solomon can also be said about us. We each have access to the completed volume of Scripture. We have the ability to access our heavenly Father at any moment. We are far from perfect. But perfection should be a goal in each and every one of our lives. We are called to do what's right, to walk down the straight and narrow path of truth, and to be a testimony to others around us. All we have to do is open the instruction manual and read. Oh, and that's not an option. It's a command.
Key Verse For Me
Proverbs 8:12 - I, wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
Quote
Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it. - David Starr Jordan
Related Scripture
James 4:17 - Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Prayer
Father, as I continue to gain knowledge and wisdom, help me be fearless in doing what You have taught me is right. Bring me more opportunities to share You with others, and the great life You so desperately and graciously want us to have.
Father, as I continue to gain knowledge and wisdom, help me be fearless in doing what You have taught me is right. Bring me more opportunities to share You with others, and the great life You so desperately and graciously want us to have.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
Verse 23 " I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began." This verse is revealing to me that God gave himself wisdom first. How could an unwise man create the heavens and earth? It would have been pretty messed up and unappealing. This being God's first gift to himself should grasp our minds and hearts to seek it out. God was pleased with what He had created. It was perfect. All life was built from wisdom. If we seek it and receive it God will reward us. He instructs us to seek wisdom to gain His love and those who don't will be put to death.
ReplyDeleteVerse 17 I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.
ReplyDeleteA great promise!
I enjoyed verses 22 through 31, to me this is seeing a different blue print of how things started in the beginning and even before, the way I take it Jesus in verse 30 “then I was beside Him as a master workman” for the Lord to be beside God as it all came to be. To be in awe as God set marked out the foundation of the earth verse 29
ReplyDeleteAlso proving wisdom is more valuable then all treasure
Marilyn - i just love your insights! i'm thinking you might need to start your own blog too.
ReplyDeleteShellie - it's an eternal promise of grace. we don't deserve it, can't do anything to earn it, it's just there waiting for us to ask for it.
ReplyDeleteHerb - those verses are definitely referencing God's Son Jesus. Can you imagine being there as God was designing the universe? These verses really made me think about what heaven is gonna be like when we are all up there worshiping our Father. Thanks buddy!
ReplyDelete