Here is a quick outline of chapter 6 just to give you an overview of what subjects are covered. Join me in commenting on what God enlightens to you for today. Every time we read the Word it should speak to us for today - our daily bread!
Practical Instruction for the Wise
vs 1-5 If you consigned on a loan for a relative stranger.....
a. You have trapped youself
b. Get out as soon as possible
c. Humble yourself and ask to have your name erased
vs 6-11 Take a lesson from the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways and be wise.
a. be prepared for tomorrow
vs 12-15 Description of a worthless and wicked person
a. Constant liars
b. Their perverted heart plots evil
c. They stir up trouble constantly
vs 16-19 Six thing the Lord hates and seven he detests:
a. A proud look
b. A lying tongue
c. Hands that shed innocent blood
d. A heart that plots evil
e. Feet that race to do wrong
f. A false witness who pours out lies
g. He who sows discord among brothers
vs 20-23 Obey your father's commands and do not neglect your mother's teachings
(I like vs 22-when you sleep, they will protect you-I guess it does matter where we live before we make our own home!!!)
vs 24-35 Father and mother's commands will keep you from the Immoral woman's smooth tongue
These verses really point out that a person may think they will not be deceived to sin but not one of us is exempt from that possibility - "Can a man walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?" The only way to keep from sin is to run from sin and let yourself be caught in any compromising situations. That is being wise!!!
2 comments:
That is good today. I like the exhortation and reminder. The first part reminds me personally not to make unwise agreements. The second part reminds me not to be lazy, An ant works hard for his food and doesn't have anyone telling him how to do it. We have to be diligent to provide for our families, our homes, and it is a joy!
It did minister to me in verses 20-23. How we teach and instruct our children matters. It can keep them from sin and guard their walk with God late into their life. I'm thinking of another proverb that says "train your child in the way he will go and he will not depart from it when he is old (and this one has some great translations.) I feel convicted when I think of that verse b/c ultimately, what my children see in me will affect how they become. If I am a bitter woman with a bad attitude, if I have no patience, if I am lazy, if I am one thing at church and another at home, if I am passionless for God, if I make God number 3 on my list of priorities, ultimately this will instruct my children. That definitely is not how I want my children to look. If I look at my heart and actions and how I teach my children to live life and love God and put them in the perspective of the "long run" or "eternity", then I want to get this right b/c how I train them now will affect their lives (of course God is a restorer, but this proverb isn't really addressing that issue right now). I am not a perfect parent and neither are any of us. None of us will get it all right all the time. But, when I think about my children, the greatest legacy I can leave them and the greatest lesson I can teach them that will get them through life is passion for God, and being an example of a person of character and integrity. We want our kids more than anything to be instructed to respond to life's challenges and circumstances with a heart that is set on God, and they learn that by watching parents. I know I won't be perfect, but I know they will see a heart that is submitted to my Heavenly Father. I do believe that is the greatest lesson they learn....by watching. I even have to declare things over my day to keep my heart right like "I will have a good attitude." "I will not be overwhelmed by my responsibilities today." "I will respect my husband" "I will bless the Lord in my attitude today." Otherwise, it can go downhill fast!
I also like the part at the end about sin. The tough thing about sin is that is always has a consequence....it says it here...."can a man walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? can a man take a fire to his bosom and not burn his clothes?" Sin is like a vine that grows up a tree. We can cut the vine (sin) off at the root and pull it away from a tree, but when the vine is gone, it still leaves a mark. That mark is the testimony of us, the redeemed, and God is a restorer, but man, if we can avoid sin and run the other way, how much better to not have to deal with the consequences.
BYW, as I read my comment, I feel to add one more thing. When it comes to being an example to our kids, I think we won't just "not get it right" sometimes, I think sometimes we will get it all wrong! (I know I have and get convicted later and then I pray so hard asking God to help me and give me the grace I need to be a good mommy). And, ultimately, our children watch, learn, and then make a choice to learn to obey Him or not. We do our best, and then trust in Him to lead our children and get a hold of their hearts. I just wanted to say that b/c we train our children, but He is King of their hearts.
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