June 8, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill\u00a0wisdom\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is\u00a0generally<\/em> true in principle, not a\u00a0universally\u00a0<\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs 23 continues the 30 \u201cwords\u201d or \u201csayings\u201d of the wise begun in chapter 22. They exhort the reader to be wary of the rich and stingy, to fear the LORD, to do good to the less fortunate, to discipline their children, to diligently pursue wisdom and to honor their parents. They warn against the dangers of drunkenness and gluttony, of adultery and of the fleeting nature of riches. These are intensely practical sayings which should guide the lives of God\u2019s people!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In verse 17-18 the author urges the reader to \u201cLet not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.\u201d This is a clear picture of the idea that there is great reward in fearing the LORD and living according to His wisdom, while there is great ruin and destruction in failing to do so!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The value of wisdom and the reward which exists in living wisely is a major repeated theme throughout the book of Proverbs, and this chapter reminds us in verse 12 that it is not an easy endeavor! We must apply ourselves in determination and in discipline in order to gain true wisdom; it takes a great deal of effort on our part, and a great deal of grace from our God, in order to attain the wisdom that He offers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We can rest assured that it will be well worth the effort!<\/p>\n\n\n\n