Sunday: Proverbs 5 –
6 she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it. 7 And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, [Read the chapter]
Proverbs 5:6-8 ESV
There are those that would lead you astray. Be careful and pay attention to wise choices. Solomon, the king of peace and father of wisdom, is challenging his children to listen. Are you taking yourself to places that increase the possibility of falling into something you will regret. How are you mentoring your children? Encourage them to read, pray and work toward healthy, holy living.
Monday: Proverbs 6 –
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? [Read the chapter]
Proverbs 6:6-9 ESV
Nobody like to think of themselves as lazy. Truth be told, we find many ways to avoid doing what needs to be done. When we can see spiritual lessons and truths from nature and recognize it as a message from God. Theologians call that “general revelation.” These truths are available to everyone, you don’t need to read the Bible, “special revelation,” to see and hear the lesson. How is God speaking to you through the creation?
Tuesday: Proverbs 7 –
7 and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths,
Proverbs 7:7-9 ESV
a young man lacking sense, 8 passing along the street near her corner,
taking the road to her house 9 in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. [Read the chapter]
There is a street that should be avoided. You know what it is. What foolishness have you observed, that helps you “wise up,” and could be passed on, as a warning to others? Folly isn’t reserved only for youth. Many a grownup has found himself or herself sneaking out and keeping secrets. Is there a place in your life where no-one is looking? Are you getting away with something that should be confessed to a reliable friend, mentor or spiritual guide?
Wednesday: Proverbs 8 –
9 They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. [Read the chapter]
Proverbs 8:9-11
Wisdom and instruction are calling. In our knowledge driven world, we often miss wisdom. Give it to me straight. Knowledge and trivia aren’t going to cut it. I need to know how to use what I know. Later in the chapter we see that the wiseman says it more valuable than wealth. (8:10-11) Beyond that, there is happiness (blessed) with wisdom. (8:32-34)
Thursday: Proverbs 9 –
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. [Read the chapter]
Proverbs 9:9-10
Hey wise guy: Righteousness is not something we are usually seeking after. If you want to be wise, don’t resist what your teachers are saying. If you are wise you will find the value in their teaching. Start your quest for wisdom with the fear (reverence and respect) of the Lord. If gaining smarts is what you’re looking for, start with God smarts. Many skeptics and unbelievers scoff at this focus. Consider the source…we reap what we sow.
Friday: Proverbs 31 –
10 An excellent wife who can find?She is far more precious than jewels… 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. [Read the chapter]
Proverbs 31:10, 30
Who was this perfect woman? I’ve heard many ladies that are almost intimidated by this “ideal” woman. Her success is that which women and men could exemplify. She has many irons in the fire and has developed multiple streams of income. She’s a business woman, caring for more than just the homestead, she may have a family business too. In this age of women’s empowerment, the Proverbs 31 wife/women is fully ready to contribute to the home and community.
Saturday: Ecclesiastes 3 –
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;… [Read the chapter]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
In 1969, the sixties rock ‘n roll band “The Byrds” popularized this sermon with their hit, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” [Listen here.] There’s a place and time. Wouldn’t it be nice if we always had perfect timing? Alas, often we can be caught up in the moment and overwhelmed it. The wise person figures out the appropriate response to a situation and receives it thankfully. The author of Ecclesiastes is called the preacher. As we seek wisdom, “preach on.”