Friday, July 22, 2011

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 22

Photo Courtesy of G 3 6 9


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

Theme
Today verse 19 really struck me.  It simply reads - I am teaching you today - yes you - so you will trust in the LORD.  Three points stick out to me.  They are - 
  1. "I am teaching you today"  Solomon isn't just writing down random words with no meaning behind them, or that there is no point to his authorship.  Back in Proverbs 1:1-7, the king clearly stated his purpose in composing this collection of sayings.  It wasn't to become famous because of his words - he was alreadythe most widely recognized and wisest king of his day (1 Kings 4:30-31, 2 Chronicles 9:22-23).  It was because He was divinely blessed from God with great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore (1 Kings 4:29). To borrow and slightly modify Uncle Ben's quote from Spiderman, "With great knowledge comes great responsibility."  In service to God he couldn't just utilize this vast collection of wisdom - it was his obligation to share it with those who would listen. 
  2. "Yes you" In case he didn't already have your attention, he ads extra emphasis as to why these words are so important.  Have you ever only been partially engaged in a conversation, kinda going through the motions, and then have someone slap you back into reality?  That's what Solomon is doing here.  The words he's sharing are that important, and we are compelled to listen.  Why, you ask?
  3. "So you will trust in the LORD"  The end goal of wisdom is not to help us differentiate between right and wrong, not to live a long and prosperous life - the goal of wisdom is that we will trust in the LORD and live a life pleasing to Him. In pleasing Him, we'll have a life far better than we can begin to imagine.     

    Key Verses For Me
    Proverbs 22:19 - I am teaching you today - yes you - so you will trust in the LORD.

    Quote
    It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities. - Josiah Charles Stamp

    Related Scriptures
    Isaiah 12:2 - See, God has come to save me.  I will trust in him and not be afraid.  The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. 

    Prayer
    Thank you, Father, for Your bountiful grace - a gift we don't deserve, a debt we can't repay, a treasure that keeps us going even on the worst of days.  May we take ownership of all that You have blessed us with, and be the voice in a world that needs You now more than ever.     

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

    1 comment:

    1. Verses 17&18 "Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your hearts to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips."
      The wise one has grasped God's teachings and applies them. Listen to the wise for they have great knowledge. What comes from our lips through being wise is pleasing to Him. Don't turn away from knowledge. Let it feed your soul and swell in your heart. Always be ready to talk about Jesus and His truths for His reward will be greater than anyone has ever seen. Lord, I pray that all I do and speak is to glorify you.

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