July 12 - Prov. 12

You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.    Prov. 12:3 MSG

This verse put a song in my heart for today - and reminds me of the words of Jesus: The wise man built his house upon the rock (see Luke 6:46-49).
It's not a bad way to start the day, singing this song.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Stuart Townend & Keith GettyCopyright © 2001 Thankyou Music (Adm. by CapitolCMGPublishing.com excl. UK & Europe, adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, songs@integritymusic.com)

July 11 - Prov. 11

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Prov. 11:25

There are a number of ways to look at prosperity, but a common thread that runs throughout the Bible is that God's blessing goes beyond material things. From the book of Genesis Abraham was told that he would be blessed in order that he could be a blessing to others (Gen. 12:3), to the end of Revelation (Rev. 22:14), those who stand before God are called a blessed people. This is not measured in bank accounts, accumulation of goods, or if we have the latest gadgets; it's measured in wealth of character, a generous spirit, and an attractive graciousness that cannot be bought or sold.

It must be noted that the principle of "you reap what you sow" (Gal. 6:7-10) is taught in the context of the filling of the Holy Spirit. It is a natural outflow of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and not something that is done for reciprocity. The same holds true for this verse in the Proverbs, and for all the teaching associated with God's blessing in the chapters to follow. All that we receive from the Lord is not to be hoarded, but it is given to be shared (Prov. 11:10, 11).

July 10 - Prov. 10

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Prov. 10:9

I'm interested in the many comparisons in this chapter. They all beg the question of me: Which one are you? How do I want to be known? What is the end result of such a life? Consider these:

The wise son vs. the foolish son. (v. 1)
Lazy hands vs. diligent hands. (v. 4)
The wise son vs. the disgraceful son (v. 5).
The righteous vs. the wicked (v. 7).

The entire chapter follows this pattern, touching on themes like our work ethic, how we use our words, and the reason we make the choices that we do. They are all a matter of our heart coming to the forefront, and underline the main verse from which I will speak later this morning - Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Prov. 4:23).

July 9 - Prov. 9

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his knowledge.
Prov. 9:9

The world we live in has what seems to be an abundance of knowledge at its fingertips. Any question you may have is just a few keystrokes away from a list of Google links or YouTube videos that will provide a host of answers. Wikipedia has replaced the encyclopedias that gather dust on our shelves. We live in an age of instant answers and abundant information.

And yet all the information in the world cannot help the person who does not have a teachable spirit. These people often cloak themselves with pride and arrogance, claiming to have all the answers. However, this chapter in the Proverbs calls it something else: folly. It is represented by a figure that also calls out in the streets and makes great claims, yet she mocks common sense and leads her suitors to the grave (v. 13-18).

There is a gift in store for those with a teachable spirit; new understanding of the riches and depth of a relationship with the author and creator of life. Once again we are reminded that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (v. 10).

July 8 - Prov. 8

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each day, alert and responsive as I start my days work.       Prov. 8:34 MSG

There is something about a daily habit that will reap its benefits and rewards, or reap its destruction and consequences. Some of these habits, like getting out for a daily walk, are constructive, while others, like eating donuts for breakfast, can be destructive. So too the realm of our spiritual lives.

The 8th chapter of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a lady that can be sought out. She dwells with prudence, counsel, and sound judgement (v. 12-14), and is the first work of the Lord. She was present at creation (v. 22-30) and governs the world that we live in. She is to be sought out daily and whoever finds her finds favour from the Lord (v. 35).

Compare this to John 1:1-4:  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God from the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

God's offer of wisdom to those who seek Him does not speak of quantity or a volume of knowledge, but it is a relationship with the maker of heaven and earth; the author and giver of life. What God looks for in our lives is a daily walk with him as we lay out our plans, dreams, frustrations and shortcomings, ready to speak into them with all of the wisdom and insight that we need for the day. Each day we can seek Him first, and all of the "stuff of life" will be added unto us (A loose translation of Matthew 6:33).

July 7 - Prov. 7

Today we have a guest posting her thoughts about Proverbs 7. She asked to remain anonymous, so I'll honour her request, but the invitation remains open to those who would also like to join in.

Proverbs 7 

When reading Chapter 7 of the Proverbs it reminds me a lot of the song of Solomon.  

There are many contracts throughout the chapter... 

When we read Solomon's warnings against the immoral women, we see that Christ is warning His Church, His bride to remain true to Him and not be drawn in by every doctrine we hear, but to be alert and weigh whatever we hear by the Word of God. The harlot or the immoral women pictured here is a good picture of the corrupt world system. We, as believers can also be seduced by a religious system. There is a great difference in being a "religious" person and a person who follows Jesus. We are warned not to be seduced or fooled by the harlot religious system that is works based and we are strongly urged to remain loyal to the purity and holiness of God and His grace (Ephesians 4:19). They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. Verses 20 -24 go on to encourage us to throw off the old man and put on the new man.

The seductive women entices her prey in the darkness, we are encouraged to see Jesus who is the light of the world. The temptress blinds the men or victim by her beauty and pleasant words, offering pleasure with no consequences much like satan tempts believers. Man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed and when lust has conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death. (James 1:14)

Prov. 7:11 describes this women as "never content"... God's Word encourages us to be content, regardless of our circumstances. Godliness with contentment brings great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

When she talks about her bed, she describes the sheets or "covering" of the bed, going on and on about how beautiful they are, how good they smell, feel, etc.  She appeals to the emotions and feelings..   God's Word encourages believers to live under the "covering of the shed blood of Christ" which is for our salvation but also for our protection against evil. We are further encouraged to walk by faith and not by sight.

In summary, In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer because Jesus said, I have overcome the world.  John 16: 33

Anonymous 

July 6 - Prov. 6

"my son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching."  Prov. 6:20

I'm not sure if you noticed, but in a book that mostly does not follow themes, this is the second chapter with a large chunk of scripture dedicated to one topic: adultery. (But wait, there's more! - Spoiler alert - the next chapter continues the theme.)

Coupled with the fact that this section begins with an appeal to keep his father's commands and not to forsake his mother's teaching, one has to wonder if Solomon had a chip on his shoulder.

But the truth is that he did have a personal interest in speaking about the issue. He was the second son of an adulterous relationship, and his father was the one who did not heed wisdom (II Sam. chapters 11 and 12). His family had a history of sibling incest, and suffered division, distrust and murder as a result (II Sam. chapters 13-18). Solomon himself used marriage as a political tool of power and influence (I Kings chapter 11), and did not heed his own advice to remember the wife of his youth.

It is generally accepted that the compilation of the Proverbs took place during the later stages of Solomon's life, hoping to leave a legacy that his sons would follow. The sayings of wisdom, especially as they contrast a righteous and a wayward life, beg the reader to make a choice, but the sad truth is that Solomon's sons did not listen to their father, and suffered for it.