31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 22

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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
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?