This will be the earliest post of the year(12:30AM can't get much earlier). I have made a couple of changes on the blog. #1 it looks different (I thought we needed a change of scenery) and #2 I have added a couple of other blog links on the right hand side that I think are worth looking at. One is Lelia Chealey and the other is my sister-in-law Bo Stern. If you know of any others that you think might be of interest let me know.
Now, here is how we are going to begin this new year. Last year we read through the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. This year we will read the Bible but not necessarily from the beginning through to the end. We will begin by reading through Proverbs this month. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs so we will read one each day. One of the LCC Women's Leaders will post on the reading for the day and anyone is welcome to comment on that post or whatever God has shown them in that chapter. In fact, this year we hope more women will join us with their comments. This is a great way to study the Word together. I look forward to another year of learning to listen to what God is saying through His Word as we look together and share what we see and hear. Each one of us has something to share so don't be shy, join in and see just how much we learn from each other.
Chapters 1-9 of Proverbs instructs us on Wisdom. According to chapter one, there is information we need to "know."
Why study the Proverbs?
Verses 1-3 tell us the purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline. To help us understand the insights of the wise. To teach us how to live disciplined and successful lives.
Verse 4 says the simple will receive insight, knowledge and discernment to the young. (I have to be one of the simple so this is a study I need!!!)
Verse 5 The will become even wiser and the person with understanding will acquire skill to receive guidance.
Verse 6-7 To understand the starting point of wisdom is the fear of God.
Verse 8-9 (I love these two verses) Knowledge comes from listening to your mother and father!
Verse 10-19 Do not be enticed by sin but restrain yourself (pretty straight forward)
Verse 20-32 Wisdom comes to the repentant, not the fool or self-confident, who.......
a. Hated knowledge
b. Did not choose the fear of God
c. Accepted no counsel
d. Despised correction
e. Eat their own fruit (do not give) and live with their sins
f. Consequences of this lifestyle include: Panic, calamity, distress, and anguish
will come as a storm; backsliding and careless ease will destroy them
Verse 33 In Contrast: The wise - "all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.
Notice the contrast between the "fool" and the "wise" and what consequences are produced in your lifestyle when you refuse to live a life of repentance. What is wise to the world is foolishness to God. We seem to all learn the hard way, of course. We try things our way and then when they don't work out as we thought they would we (hopefully) come to our senses and repent and "turn from our wicked ways" and become "wise".
Anyone want to share how they learned some "wisdom"????
3 comments:
Okay, here goes. I really liked verses 8 and 9, knowledge comes from listening to your mother and father, both of my parents have passed away and what I thought I would miss the most was their wisdom, and I do, however, what is amazing to me is that I still "hear" their wisdom and have learned that those who have influenced us never leave us, they are still directing my choices as I know what they would say and many times "listen" more now than when they were here on earth with us. So when I read that, I was taken back by it. Also the last verse, we need to listen to live in peace and not fear, what a great way to begin the new year. And for me, so is this blog, just learned of it and I know it will be a blessing!
You are a blessing for sharing your thoughts. You are right too, people who influence your life continue to speak to you even when they are no longer there. That's how the Word of God is to me. I remember and "hear" it when I need it the most. I guess that is the Holy Spirit - right??
After doing things the wrong way or jumping in too soon and not using wisdom, I think I have learned through those negative experiences to wait. Wait on God, wait to speak, wait until I know what the wise choice would be. Sometimes wisdom is just keeping your mouth shut! (again - learned from experience... hehe) I feel like I gain the most wisdom through prayer, though. Maybe because that is often when the Lord reminds me of times when I did not use wisdom! =) Thank God for His grace, huh?
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