June 13, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom <\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally<\/em> true in principle, not a universally <\/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 The author of this proverb wants to be a righteous person but admits that he has failed to learn wisdom and has acted foolishly. He is tired and weary. But when a person perceives and understands more of God\u2019s ways, they become humble enough to realize how much they still don\u2019t know, and they can experience greater intimacy with the Creator of all things! <\/p>\n\n\n\n God is great and every word of his ultimately proves to be true. When one draws close to him, he will experience God\u2019s safety and peace (v.5). The writer warns a person to not add to, take away from, or distort God\u2019s word, and to not lead a self-enlightened life because it is foolishness. We learn that joy and integrity is found in the balanced life\u2014not too many riches that might lead one to falsely believe they are a self-made person who doesn\u2019t really need God, or poverty that might lead one to steal and dishonor God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We see lists of three and four things that Agur observes in life that contrasts righteousness and wickedness, wisdom and foolishness, compassion and cruelty, and life and death. Life has signposts along way that reveal the wisdom and truth of God. The question is, will we have the heart and humility to see them and respond in kind to the Spirit of God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n