This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
One of my favorite movies of all time is Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. Although historically inaccurate in many ways, it's still an entertaining film to watch. It depicts Mel's character William Wallace as a common Scottish farmer, who becomes bent on revenge for the unjust murder of his wife Murron by the ruling British authorities. This thirst for justice eventually leads to the Scottish people uniting against the English, driving the British powers out of the country, and gaining for Scotland her freedom.
In the movie, William Wallace is a masterful motivator, and, over time, becomes an incredible military strategist. He finds ways to gain victories for the Scottish clans against far superior British forces. He fought not necessarily stronger or harder, but smarte . He did not have the resources to fight conventionally, so he became unconventional. When required, he approached the Scottish leaders, requesting their assistance and support in unifying their country. With each conquest, his reputation grew larger than life, and his power grew more effective.
In looking at verses 5&6 from Chapter 24, I've got to think Solomon is reflecting upon the stories about his father King David. As a young boy, guarding the families flock of sheep, David was constantly fending off attacks from lions and bears. As a teen, he conquered Goliath, a mammoth of a giant aimed at destroying the army of Israel. He was so in tune with God's will that in Acts 13 Jesus, in quoting His Father, describes David as a man that "was after my own heart".
Our wisdom comes from our Father, and the relationship we have with Him. You want to live a victorious life? Seek out God's wisdom. Seek out strong friends to participate in preparing for the "war" of living life - friends who will share spiritual and scriptural virtues versus just saying what you want to hear. To excel we don't have to be the strongest. We just have to be the most prepared.
In the movie, William Wallace is a masterful motivator, and, over time, becomes an incredible military strategist. He finds ways to gain victories for the Scottish clans against far superior British forces. He fought not necessarily stronger or harder, but smarte . He did not have the resources to fight conventionally, so he became unconventional. When required, he approached the Scottish leaders, requesting their assistance and support in unifying their country. With each conquest, his reputation grew larger than life, and his power grew more effective.
In looking at verses 5&6 from Chapter 24, I've got to think Solomon is reflecting upon the stories about his father King David. As a young boy, guarding the families flock of sheep, David was constantly fending off attacks from lions and bears. As a teen, he conquered Goliath, a mammoth of a giant aimed at destroying the army of Israel. He was so in tune with God's will that in Acts 13 Jesus, in quoting His Father, describes David as a man that "was after my own heart".
Our wisdom comes from our Father, and the relationship we have with Him. You want to live a victorious life? Seek out God's wisdom. Seek out strong friends to participate in preparing for the "war" of living life - friends who will share spiritual and scriptural virtues versus just saying what you want to hear. To excel we don't have to be the strongest. We just have to be the most prepared.
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 24:5-6 - The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
Quote
We talk about heaven being so far away. It is within speaking distance to those who belong there. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. - Dwight L Moody
Related Scriptures
Romans 8:31B, 37 - If God is for us, who can ever be against us?.... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Prayer
As I prepare for daily battle, Oh LORD, may I fully prepare before beginning the day by fully equipping myself with the whole armor that You have to offer.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
Verse 10 "If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!"
ReplyDeleteGet up when you fall! Staying down there won't teach you anything. Try, try again. Throughout life we find ourselves in times of trouble and it can be very discouraging and depressing. Small troubles and big. Any trouble you face teaches you to get through future troubles, if you're wise. A building block of wisdom, if you will. How much stronger will you be getting over each hurdle? You learn how to deal with things gaining even more strength and wisdom with each unwanted incident. Trusting in God gives you the strength to gain even more strength. Place your trials in God's hands. Psalm 9:9 "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."