A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 9

This chapter further illustrates the attributes of wisdom Proverbs 9.

Observations & Highlights

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding....(v10,11) Is this becoming clear to you? In simplest terms, it takes fortitude for man/woman to submit to something bigger than himself. The act of submission to God is a wise act that leads to greater wisdom, knowledge and understanding. This wisdom is not abstract but is a principle accessible in every area of life. How many of us know people that are pompous and full of themselves? At some point we think these people are foolish because they refuse to submit to anyone - they think only what they say matters. The act of submission would be a step in the right direction; submission to a holy deity - God, would make them wise.

Teach the wise and they become wiser...v9. What makes someone smart? Those willing to accept instruction; those willing to listen. A wise person listens and becomes wiser; a foolish person does not.

Stolen waters are sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious...(v17,18) Illicit activity may feel good when you are doing it, but that feeling is temporary. You will reap the consequences of your actions. Why have short term pleasure for long term pain?

Read on.

A Chapter a Day - Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2 is much easier to read than Chapter 1 and provides sound reasoning for acquiring wisdom.

Observations and Highlights

If you want wisdom badly enough it's available to you (v3-5).

The giver of wisdom is the Lord.

Wisdom from God provides protection, success, discretion, and understanding of what is right, just, and equitable.

Verses 12-22 outline potential situations that wisdom can save you from:
From the ways of wicked men - i.e. hanging with the wrong crowd
From the adulterous women - i.e. men or women who want you to do things you know you shouldn't be doing of a sexual nature (fornication, adultery, etc.)

Are you beginning to see that this wisdom is available to you and that it can place you way ahead of others? You don't have to make the mistakes of youth; you don't have to blindly follow the world's advice, especially when you are prompted to do otherwise. Throughout my life, choosing to go against the grain (though never easy), has saved me from so much heartache. The best part is God rewards faithfulness and has demonstrated the rewards of wisdom in my life.

What about you - are you still searching for God's wisdom?

A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1 introduces the book of Proverbs. This first chapters lays out the purpose of Proverbs, states wisdom's foundation, and provides a warning if one does not receive wisdom.

Observations and Highlights
Written primarily by Solomon - considered one of the wisest men.
A wise man will hear and increase learning - we must be willing to seek and accept Godly counsel, even if it's not what we want to hear

The foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (v7).

A fool is not one who is mentally deficient, but one who is arrogant and self sufficient and orders his life as if there was no God.

This first chapter is a bit hard to decipher and capture in an easy to read format. But stick with me, it will become easier as we do this.
What sticks out for you from Chapter 1?