Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
7 He who corrects a scoffer gains abuse for himself, and he who rebukes the wicked gets hurt.[a] 8 Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke the wise and he will love you. 9 Give to a wise one and he will become more wise; teach[b] a righteous one and he will increase learning.
Foolishness’ Banquet
10 The start of wisdom is fear of Yahweh, and knowledge of the Holy One,[c] insight. 11 For by me your days shall increase, and years of life shall multiply for you. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, alone you shall bear it.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Proverbs 9:10-12 Amplified Bible
10 The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. 11 For by me (wisdom from God) your days will be multiplied, And years of life shall be increased. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself [for your own benefit]; If you scoff [thoughtlessly ridicule and disdain], you alone will pay the penalty.
I tend to err on the side of caution.
If there is risk involved, I will pause and evaluate the situation so that I can make a decision that will keep me as protected and safe as much as possible.
From an early age I learned respecting things like laws of gravity, the authority of people in charge, was better than disrespecting things that I cannot control.
That helps me understand what the author of Proverbs is saying here.
Fearing the Lord does not mean being blind scared of God, as if he were a tyrant waiting to take his anger out on us.
To fear the Lord is to give him respect and reverence. After all, God is the Creator who graciously crafted a covenant with his people.
He deserves our respect.
God has promise d to provide his people with all that they need.
He deserves our maximum reverence.
Revering the Lord is the first step in developing a vibrant relationship with him.
Revering God calls for us to submit ourselves humbly to him—seeking him, listening to him, and obeying him.
Fearing the Lord puts us in the primo position of a servant who loves God and trusts God. That is where God wants us to be, and that is where we need to be.
In the name of God, the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Don’t Assume You Know It All
3 1-2 Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.
3-4 Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.
5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
15 Fools suppose their way is straight, but the wise pay attention to advice.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Are We Learning From the Examples of Others?
I had a friend who was a very handy repairman. One day I discovered a leak in my plumbing and didn’t know how to fix it.
I went to him for advice, and he showed me how to fix the problem. His help saved me hundreds of dollars, avoiding water damage throughout my house.
Over the years, I have realized oft, the importance of learning from others’ experiences.
Observing others’ successes and mistakes can provide valuable lessons.
We often think we must figure everything out on our own, but wisdom invites us to learn from others.
Proverbs helps us see that surrounding ourselves with wise mentors and friends can profoundly help in our decision making and growth.
There were, times when I didn’t heed advice, and I faced hard consequences.
Ignoring a mentor’s caution about a business venture, for example, led to a financial loss.
Looking back, I can see how pride and stubbornness can cloud judgment, leading to avoidable mistakes. Learning from others calls for humility and openness, patience, recognizing that we don’t, wont, have all the answers.
God strategically, subtly, places people in our lives to guide and teach us.
In addition, the Bible is filled with stirring stories of people who had learned valuable lessons through their experiences—both good and bad. By observing their wise, foolish, examples, we gain insight into living wisely and faithfully.
Proverbs 3:5-8 Complete Jewish Bible
5 Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths.
7 Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom; but fear Adonai, and turn from evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and give strength to your bones.
In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
Pray,
Psalm 14 Complete Jewish Bible
14 (0) For the leader. By David:
(1) Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They deal corruptly, their deeds are vile, not one does what is right.
2 From heaven Adonai observes humankind to see if anyone has understanding, if anyone seeks God. 3 But all turn aside, all alike are corrupt; no one does what is right, not a single one. 4 Don’t they ever learn, all those evildoers, who eat up my people as if eating bread and never call on Adonai? 5 There they are, utterly terrified; for God is with those who are righteous. 6 You may mock the plans of the poor, but their refuge is Adonai.
7 How I wish Isra’el’s salvation would come out of Tziyon! When Adonai restores his people’s fortunes, Ya‘akov will rejoice, Isra’el will be glad!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
1 The proverbs of Shlomo the son of David, king of Isra’el, 2 are for learning about wisdom and discipline; for understanding words expressing deep insight; 3 for gaining an intelligently disciplined life, doing what is right, just and fair; 4 for endowing with caution those who don’t think and the young person with knowledge and discretion. 5 Someone who is already wise will hear and learn still more; someone who already understands will gain the ability to counsel well; 6 he will understand proverbs, obscure expressions, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of Adonai is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Two things my parents always tried to teach me growing up: what we need are ‘wisdom’ and ‘discipline’. ‘Wisdom’ is living from God’s perspective on life and ‘discipline’ is having the character to consistently do what you know is right.
We must have a “starvation level” of hunger for God’s wisdom and pursue it. Reverent Fear of God is the first step in the quest for a meaningful existence.
Acquiring wisdom is not a particularly hard thing to do.
Who we hang around with, who we call our friends, who we call our enemies, who we choose to ignore or to scorn altogether for some arbitrary reason has a huge influence on who you become. God says Choose your relationships wisely.
Good and blessed things tend to flow from wise and disciplined behavior both exhibited in public or in private ways (but not in a magical or guaranteed way).
Lady Wisdom yearns to set people free from their foolish ways and to impart a spirit of wisdom to them so that they will become more disciplined and wise.
Wisdom proactively shouts and cries out to the simple-minded, urging them to change.
How often she has called out to us.
How often we have neglected her advice – to our own detriment.
If we reject the call of wisdom over and over again, we move beyond the reach of her help. We may then search for her but it may will be far too late. We will have eaten too much, stomached too much of the bitter fruit of living our own way.
Our own complacency will have destroyed us.
What’s the point?
Listen to wisdom!
Accept her advice and pay attention to her correction.
If you do, you will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm.
Do we hear the shriek of urgency of Wisdom’s appeal!
Her appeal is made to all.
To be complacent is as bad as outright rejection.
Lady Wisdom wants the fool, the inexperienced, immature (simple), and the mocker to know and see for themselves the horrible consequences of their not obeying her, so they will turn back to God respond positively to her right away.
Great advice for wise living.
While I do not want to be thought of as an “all wise know-it-all,” I definitely don’t want to be a fool.
The word “fool” is used more than 80 times in the Bible. None of those men-tions me by name, but I don’t want the descriptions there to fit me either. I especially don’t want to be listed as a fool in some record that God might keep.
Thankfully, Proverbs is a book that God gives to help us, to inform us, to see and hear just what a fool is so that we can fight against becoming one. From the beginning it pits wisdom against foolishness. Sometimes the invitation is to embrace what is wise; other times the challenge is to fist fight what is foolish.
Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings that tell us the way things are.
In this world there is wisdom, and there is folly. Wisdom comes from reading and studying to learn disciplined living God’s way, and folly comes from going our own way. God gives us Proverbs to help us see that our heart and character must 100% be shaped by him, so we can live wisely in all kinds of situations.
Ultimately, disciplined living, morally, ethically, wisely, is 100% about being more Christlike than flesh like: having the mind of Christ, who is perfectly wise.
The Bible calls Jesus “the wisdom of God.” And a wisdom-shaped heart, and a wisdom crafted wisdom shape soul and spirit is essentially one that has Christ at the exact center of it. In that way, I want to be that “Christ-Like wise guy.”
If any of us, are fool enough to believe we are all wise
Shalom!
2 Regard it all as joy, my brothers, when you face various kinds of temptations; 3 for you know that the testing of your trust produces perseverance. 4 But let perseverance do its complete work; so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing. 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in trust, doubting nothing; for the doubter is like a wave in the sea being tossed and driven by the wind. 7 Indeed that person should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 because he is double-minded, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-5 CJB)
It takes a lot of wisdom to run a business.
It takes a lot of wisdom to be a good husband and a good wife
It takes a lot of wisdom to raise children.
It takes a lot of wisdom to be a family to reverently fear, honor, worship God.
It takes a lot of wisdom to be a teacher or a leader in the community.
It takes a lot of wisdom to be a faithful, conscientious worker and to live well, especially as a Christian in these days of foolish rampant divisive immorality.
Think of all the issues we face every day.
Where shall I draw the line between what is right and what is wrong?
How shall I determine what is moral and what is immoral?
How shall I determine what is ethical and what is unethical?
How can I make decisions that are God directed, disciplined, and wise?
The entire book of Proverbs in the Old Testament is written to help believers draw the line in the sand between what is Godly wisdom and human folly.
When Solomon came to the throne to fill the shoes of his father, David, the first thing he asked God for was a wise and discerning heart. (1 Kings 3:4 – 14)
This request pleased God greatly.
Here in the New Covenant book of James, God repeats how pleased he is when his children ask for wisdom.
God is so pleased that he will never turn them down.
What an invitation!
We learn wisdom through disciplined study of God’s Word.
We gain wisdom through the experiences of living.
We develop wisdom by watching and learning from others.
We also receive wisdom when we ask God for it.
According to James, we all ought to be praying for wisdom daily.
James 5:14-20 Disciples’ Literal New Testament
Pray For One Another So That You May Be Healed
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him summon the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, having anointed[a] him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of [b] faith will restore[c] the one being ill, and the Lord will raise him. And if he has committed[d] sins, it will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore be confessing-out[e] your sins to one another, and be praying for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer[f] of a righteous person can-do much while working[g]. 17 Elijah was a person of-like-nature to us, and he prayed with prayer[h] that it not rain. And it did not rain upon the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Try To Turn Back Those Who Stray From The Truth
19 My brothers, if anyone among you errs[i] from the truth and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that the one having turned-back a sinner from the error of his way will save his[j] soul[k] from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.
And “God, who 100% gives generously to all without finding fault,” will give it.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 14 Complete Jewish Bible
14 (0) For the leader. By David:
(1) Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They deal corruptly, their deeds are vile, not one does what is right.
2 From heaven Adonai observes humankind to see if anyone has understanding, if anyone seeks God. 3 But all turn aside, all alike are corrupt; no one does what is right, not a single one. 4 Don’t they ever learn, all those evildoers, who eat up my people as if eating bread and never call on Adonai? 5 There they are, utterly terrified; for God is with those who are righteous. 6 You may mock the plans of the poor, but their refuge is Adonai.
7 How I wish Isra’el’s salvation would come out of Tziyon! When Adonai restores his people’s fortunes, Ya‘akov will rejoice, Isra’el will be glad!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity], And the idle person will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:15 Complete Jewish Bible
15 Laziness makes people fall asleep, and an idle person will go hungry.
Proverbs 19:15 The Message
15 Life collapses on loafers; lazybones go hungry.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Long ago, in the bustling marketplace of a small ancient town, a group of merchants and townspeople gathered around a well-known teacher named Ezra. The sun beat down on the dusty streets as Ezra, a wise and respected figure in the community, began to share his teachings from the Book of Proverbs. To the ever busy merchants His words were filled with wisdom and insight, drawing in a large, curious crowd eager to learn from his knowledge.
Among the listeners was a young man named Jacob, who had come to the marketplace for the first time to sell his goods. Intrigued by the teachings of Ezra, Jacob decided to set business aside and stay and listen, finding himself captivated by the new wisdom being shared. As the discussion continued, more people joined the group, eager to soak in the words of wisdom being imparted.
The scene was filled with a sense of community and learning, as people from all walks of life came together to set their busyness aside for a few moments, listen and reflect on this time of teachings of Proverbs. The marketplace buzzed with conversation and contemplation, as Ezra’s words now resonated with all those gathered around him, sparking introspection and discussion among the crowd.
What is Proverbs 19:15 about?
This verse from Proverbs is highlighting the contrast between two different attitudes and their respective outcomes in life.
Laziness is depicted as a negative trait that can lead to poverty, indicating that when one is not willing to put in the necessary effort and work hard, they are likely to severely suffer from lack, and insufficiency and poverty and hunger.
On the other hand, diligence is shown as a positive quality that results in wealth and honor. Individuals demonstrate a commitment to their work or tasks by being diligent, leading to success, prosperity, and respect from others.
We can and should vigorously search ourselves as we reflect on this verse: are we approaching our responsibilities and goals with laziness or with diligence?
Are we willing to put in the effort and hard work needed to achieve success and honor, or are we more convenience in taking shortcuts and avoiding hard work?
It serves as a reminder that our attitudes and actions have direct consequences on our outcomes in life.
Choosing to be diligent sets us up for a future filled with abundance and respect, while succumbing to laziness may lead us down a path of lack and mediocrity.
Let’s strive to cultivate a mindset of diligence in all aspects of our lives to reap the rewards of wealth and honor.
Understanding what Proverbs 19:15 really means
Proverbs 19:15 New American Standard Bible 1995
15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle [a]man will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 19:15 delves into the repercussions of laziness and underscores the significance of diligence in our daily endeavors.
Positioned within the wisdom literature of the Bible, this verse offers practical guidance for navigating life’s challenges.
The phrase “Laziness brings on deep sleep” vividly portrays how idleness can plunge individuals into a state of physical and spiritual unawareness.
It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inactivity, urging us to remain cognizant, vigilant and purposeful in our actions. Similarly, the assertion that “The shiftless go hungry” emphasizes that those who fail to exert effort or take initiative are bound to experience scarcity and deprivation.
Drawing parallels with other biblical passages enhances our understanding of Proverbs 19:15’s timeless wisdom.
Proverbs 6:6-11, extols the greater virtues of industriousness by highlighting the ant’s diligent nature and contrasting it with the outcomes of slothfulness.
Complete Jewish Bible
6 Go to the ant, you lazybones! Consider its ways, and be wise. 7 It has no chief, overseer or ruler; 8 yet it provides its food in summer and gathers its supplies at harvest-time. 9 Lazybones! How long will you lie there in bed? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer, just fold my hands for a little more sleep” — 11 and poverty comes marching in on you, scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15, Apostle Paul underscores the important principle that one who simply refuses to work should not partake in the fruits of labor, emphasizing personal responsibility and the high value of industriousness.
10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: if someone won’t work, he shouldn’t eat! 11 We hear that some of you are leading a life of idleness — not busy working, just busybodies! 12 We command such people — and in union with the Lord Yeshua the Messiah we urge them — to settle down, get to work, and earn their own living. 13 And you brothers who are doing what is good, don’t slack off! 14 Furthermore, if anyone does not obey what we are saying in this letter, take note of him and have nothing to do with him, so that he will be ashamed. 15 But don’t consider him an enemy; on the contrary, confront him as a brother and try to help him change.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 further elucidates the tangible repercussions of negligence, illustrating how laziness can lead to structural decay and material want.
Ecclesiastes 10:10-18 Complete Jewish Bible
10 If the [hatchet’s] iron [blade] is blunt, and [its user] doesn’t sharpen it, he will have to exert more effort; but the expert has the advantage of his skill. 11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, the snake-charmer has no advantage. 12 The words spoken by the wise bring them favor, but the lips of a fool swallow him up. 13 What he says starts with foolishness and ends with wicked madness. 14 A fool keeps talking and talking, yet no one knows what the future will bring — can anyone tell a person what will happen after he’s gone? 15 The efforts of a fool wear him out; he doesn’t even know the way to town!
16 Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your leaders start their parties in the morning! 17 Happy are you, land, when your king is well-born, and your princes eat at the proper time, in order to stay strong, not to get drunk! 18 When the owner is lazy, the roof sags; when hands are idle, the house leaks.
The relevance of Proverbs 19:15 in contemporary society is quite striking, particularly in a world where distractions and procrastination abound.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive engagement and the perils of complacency.
In a culture that often glorifies instant gratification and shortcuts, this verse prompts us to embrace diligence and conscientious effort.
By heeding its counsel, we can avert the pitfalls of laziness and ensure that our needs are adequately met.
Consider a student who habitually delays assignments, reveling in fleeting moments of leisure until impending deadlines loom ominously.
As pressure mounts and stress escalates, the student may find themselves ensnared in a cycle of unmet obligations and missed opportunities.
This narrative mirrors the consequences of “deep sleep” and “hunger” delineated in Proverbs 19:15, offering a tangible illustration of the verse’s enduring relevance in everyday life.
In conclusion, Proverbs 19:15 stands as a beacon of timeless wisdom, urging us to embrace diligence and conscientiousness in all our pursuits. By cultivating a spirit of hard work and responsibility, we can sidestep the snares of laziness and ensure our well-being. Let us now heed the call to reflect on our habits, striving to embody the virtues of diligence and industry in our daily lives.
Are we seeking His wisdom or pursuing folly in life?
We are presented with a choice in life of whether to pursue wisdom or folly.
Seeking wisdom leads to growth, understanding, and making sound decisions that benefit both oneself and others.
Wisdom enables us to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and discernment, ultimately leading to a meaningful and fulfilling existence.
On the contrary, pursuing folly only brings about negative consequences, confusion, and ultimately, regret. Folly leads us astray from the path of righteousness and leaves us in a state of ignorance and foolishness.
Therefore, it is clear that seeking wisdom is the path to a flourishing and successful life, while continually pursuing folly only leads to destruction and disappointment.
We can cultivate a life of purpose, peace, and fulfillment by aligning our actions with wisdom. We should each continually strive to seek wisdom, learn from our experiences, and make sounder choices that reflect on the values of wisdom and understanding as we navigate the rapidly accelerating complexities of our lives.
Application
Are you harnessing the power of knowledge and understanding in your journey through life? J
Just like tending to your career or nurturing your loved ones, nurturing wisdom is vital for your spiritual growth. Dive deep into the depths of the Word, letting it illuminate your path with wisdom like a guiding light in the darkness. How can you let the teachings of Proverbs 19:15 shape your quest for enlightenment and insight, guiding your steps as you navigate the complexities of modern life?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 16 Complete Jewish Bible
16 (0) Mikhtam. By David:
(1) Protect me, God, for you are my refuge. 2 I said to Adonai, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good outside of you.” 3 The holy people in the land are the ones who are worthy of honor; all my pleasure is in them.
4 Those who run after another god multiply their sorrows; To such gods I will not offer drink offerings of blood or take their names on my lips.
5 Adonai, my assigned portion, my cup: you safeguard my share. 6 Pleasant places were measured out for me; I am content with my heritage.
7 I bless Adonai, my counselor; at night my inmost being instructs me. 8 I always set Adonai before me; with him at my right hand, I can never be moved; 9 so my heart is glad, my glory rejoices, and my body too rests in safety; 10 for you will not abandon me to Sh’ol, you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss. 11 You make me know the path of life; in your presence is unbounded joy, in your right hand eternal delight.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
22 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor [a]have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all. 3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the [b]naïve go on, and are punished for it. 4 The reward of humility and the [c]fear of the Lord Are riches, honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them. 6 Train up a child [d]in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Parents, Tell Your Children, Teach Your Children
Proverbs 22:1-6 The Message
The Cure Comes Through Discipline
22 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.
2 The rich and the poor shake hands as equals— God made them both!
3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
4 The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.
5 The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it.
6 Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost.
Well, Memorial Day weekend is here and summer is right around the corner.
Soon children will be out of school – some will be graduating high school, and some will be graduating from college and still others will be getting ready for the next grade level and some will just be getting old enough for kindergarten.
Summer time and summer vacations, now parents will too often face a moral dilemma in the lines at the admission gates of theme parks and sporting events.
If a child is in a more expensive age bracket but looks young enough to pass for a cheaper rate, the parents are probably tempted just a wee bit to lie about the child’s age, tell the child to be quiet, thinking it might be better to save money.
22 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.
2 The rich and the poor shake hands as equals— God made them both!
Character, Character, Character!
Integrity, Integrity, Integrity!
Honesty, Honesty, Honesty!
Fairness, Fairness, Fairness!
Because if we let one “wee little innocent” sin in the door, others follow.
A parent’s lie at the admission gate amounts to stealing from the company.
It suggests to a child who is watching that it’s no big deal to lie to Mom or Dad or to steal from them or others.
And if a lying, stealing parent tries to use discipline on a lying, stealing child, that only drives a wedge between the generations.
“Do as I say, not as I do” does not meet God’s standard for raising children being; “6 Train up a child [d]in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” “6Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.”
Children’s lives, regardless of how old they are can mirror their parents’ lives in frightfully convicting ways—or, conversely, truly wonderfully affirming ways.
Forgiveness from God is the only way forward.
Parents prove each day that they are sinners, and their admitting this to their children clears the air and points them to Jesus. It’s never too late to apologize.
What a fine Christian Parent witness it is when parents, regardless of their age, readily admit even their need for God`s grace! The way to God is the way to go.
Regardless of their Age, Please Teach Your Children a just Few Powerful Prayers to Fill Them with Wisdom.
James 1:5-8 The Message
5-8 If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
Wisdom can be defined as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Some forms of wisdom come naturally as our kids grow up and experience more of life. Other forms can be taught. My prayer is for my children to be open to wisdom, recognize it for what it is, and learn to love living it out.
The book of Proverbs is full of simple, profound wisdom for living. In fact, I’ve read and prayed through the Proverbs many times, for many different reasons.
I’ve used it to pray for my marriage.
I’ve used it to pray for friends and family, and as I read it each time, I almost always found myself pausing to pray specific verses for my children. The older I get and the older they get, the more convinced I am wisdom and understanding, and knowledge are some of the most treasured, valuable gifts I can give them.
In my present state of age and God’s grace I have found that there are basically only two types of people—the foolish and the wise.
The foolish man says in his heart, “there is no God,” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1) and does as exactly as he pleases all his days. The wise man so fears the Lord, and follows Him (Proverbs 1:7), keeps his character, integrity and honor front and at center.
Choose which do you want your child to be—foolish or wise?
The older they get, the more I desire for my children to have wisdom, and the Proverbs are where I turn most often.
They serve as a guide, helping us know how to make decisions, which paths to take, and how to understand the life God has called us to live as believers.
Doesn’t that sound exactly like what you want God to accomplish in your child’s heart? But, just how do we ensure that our children will choose God’s wisdom?
I invite you to start the process with prayer.
Prayer is one of the most important parts of Christian parenting today.
Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked and underutilized and under developed, under taught, under emphasized lessons parents teach the children.
God has assured us that when we need wisdom, He’ll give it (James 1:5).
I suggest praying God’s Word for your children (and yourself).
Reason being it’s, “living and active…able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12), and because despite all circumstances, it will do exactly what God purposes for it to do in the heart of your child (Isaiah 55:8-11).
Prayer is a partnership between you, your child and the God Who loves your child more than you do. He will use your prayers in the life of your child, and in your own heart to give you His place of comfort and direction in times of need.
With that in mind, here are three scriptures to pray for your child to have wisdom:
1. A Prayer for Our Children to Walk in Awe of the Lord
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings; for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity; for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man…The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” –Proverbs 1:1-4 & 7
A Prayer for Our Children to Walk in Awe of the Lord
Father, help my child to learn Your wisdom and discipline, and make them open to patience, self control, understanding insight. May they have deep reverential fear of You, Lord, so they can receive wisdom, truly begin to have knowledge.
2. A Prayer for Our Children to Listen to the Lord
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” –Proverbs 2:1-6
A Prayer for Our Children to Listen to the Lord
Father, help my child accept your words and commit your commands to heart. Help them to keep their mouth shut, listen closely to wisdom and direct their heart to understanding. May they seek Your wisdom like it’s a precious jewel.
3. A Prayer for Our Children to Trust God
“Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:3-8
A Prayer for Our Children to Trust God
Father, make my child, children, loyal and faithful, finding favor and highest regard with God and others. Help them to implicitly trust in You with all their heart and not lean on his own understanding. May they acknowledge You in all his ways, may they then be healed And as he do, God makes their paths straight.
Learning to Pray for Our Children
If your child needs God’s wisdom (and who doesn’t?), begin praying right away.
Look to God’s Word to show you what to pray, and bring your petitions to the Lord on their behalf night and day.
You might not always know what to do, but you can always know what to pray.
Ask God to give you compassion for what your children are going through, for strength to follow Him faithfully in your own life, for wisdom for the next step.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 119:1-16 The Message
119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.
* * *
9-16 How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.
* * *
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
5 Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths.
7 Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom; but fear Adonai, and turn from evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and give strength to your bones.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
By these timeless words of Scripture, God invites each of us to implicitly trust in him, to be still, surrender our worries, doubts, and fears into his capable hands.
On our parts, this involves our sacrifice, our conscious choice to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance rather than leaning on our own limited understanding.
In a world filled to overflowing with uncertainty, we will wander around, we stumble everywhere, can we find solace in the unchanging character of God?
Based on the measure and degrees of his own personal experience, intrigue, Solomon’s response is ultimately clear: the Lord is faithful, steadfast, and true.
Our being more aware of his presence, He will fulfill every promise he has made.
From within that raised awareness of his presence, when we place our trust in the Lord, we will be tapping into the wellspring of his grace, strength, peace.
Trusting God doesn’t mean that we will never face challenges or hardships.
But it does mean that we can confidently face hard times, knowing that God is with us, working all things together for our good. We can rest in the blessed assurance that Almighty God is in control and that his plans for us are perfect.
Trusting God requires humility—a recognition his ways are higher than ours.
It involves sacrificing, surrendering our understanding of our wisdom, our need for self control, reshaping our thoughts, embracing HIS divine wisdom, timing.
Day to day, as we submit the fullness of our lives unto the Lord, he directs our paths, leading, guiding, directing us, on a journey of purpose and fulfillment.
Let’s trust God with all our heart. In every circumstance, may we lean on his understanding and submit to his will. As we do trust God, we experience his faithfulness, and our lives become that testimony to his goodness and grace.
In the name of God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 23 Complete Jewish Bible
23 (0) A psalm of David:
(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing. 2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water, 3 he restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name. 4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.
5 You prepare a table for me, even as my enemies watch; you anoint my head with oil from an overflowing cup.
6 Goodness and grace will pursue me every day of my life; and I will live in the house of Adonai for years and years to come.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
32 “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, For blessed are they who keep my ways. 33 “Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it. 34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. 35 “For he who finds me finds life And obtains favor from the Lord.
36 “But he who [a]sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death.”
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
We often let so many practices of our faith slip between the cracks after so many years of being a Christian.
We sometimes feel “mature” enough to go without consistent habits like fasting and observing the Sabbath, which we adhered to when first coming to the Lord, a perpetual excuse of the business of living and daily distractions.
For me, daily time with God is one of the first to go, right up there with fasting and memorizing the Word.
Starting your day out with God not only dispels the instant chaos assaulting our brains within a minute of consciousness – finding all of the “permission to live” forms and impending deadlines – but places everything under God’s authority.
It is trusting him to the max to see you through every circumstance, knowing he is celebrating with you through the minor successes of the day, and letting him know that, unequivocally, He alone is the Lord of your life. (Psalm 46:10-11)
It’s amazing the difference quiet time makes, though I’m not sure why we’re surprised how spending time with the creator of the universe could positively impact our day.
I’m a more patient sort, a more positive husband, more effective ministry leader, and I’m even nicer to my neighbors when I start out with the Lord.
I believe the number one way to be your “best self” is by remaining close to God – My daily Me + God = a significantly better version of Me.
Whenever friends share about being frustrated at home (or anywhere, really), I always try to ask them how their daily quiet time with the Lord has been lately.
Because I have personally found that it’s so hard to find a quiet anything, let alone an actual sliver of time actually spent in the Word of God and prayer.
It’s easy to convince ourselves we’re spiritually mature enough to make it days, even weeks, without extended, dedicated times of being in the Word and prayer.
It is just another crafty lie from the enemy that affects our inner peace, loved ones, and home life more than anything.
Reserving alone time for God can seem nearly impossible when you’re sleep-deprived or a working full-time parent, but overall, it’s definitely worth it.
Even if you only have quiet time in your car, praying and worshiping, and then reading an online verse or a daily devotional when you get to your workspace, do whatever you can do, short of getting yourself fired, to truly make it happen.
In a time when distractions, chaos seem at an all-time high, I believe the key to having the best 2024 possible is committing to spend more time with the Lord.
This means literally dedicating time each day to quiet our hearts, being still in silence, praying, and, most importantly, just listening to what He has to say.
When we take time to be still and soak in God’s presence intentionally- not when we’re in the we not only receive direction, but we’ll receive all the other benefits from His presence that make such a major difference in our lives.
When we’re in tune with His heart, we’re simply more grounded and focused.
By heeding Wisdom’s words, we’re reminded of how much we’re loved and how truly precious this life is, and we become more of the person we’re meant to be.
Somehow, Wisdom knows all the things that matter rise to the surface, and the “things of the world” take a more rightful, lowly place in our hearts and minds.
Wisdom reveals in these verses that the problems, irritants, and stressors in life diminish, and we’re able to operate above the fray, not distracted or tempted by the myriad of things that come against us by the day or the hour, if not minute.
And how can they not?
How can marital tension, or that pending deadline, or financial strain or health undo us when we are in constant communication with the one who has power and victory over every area of life? They really cannot exist in the same space.
It can be tempting to skip out on quiet time when running the kids out the door every morning, driving to work and falling to our pillows like bricks on cement, muttering “yeah, right, night Lord,” if that. Some days, it’s bound to happen.
But if we are really serious about heeding Wisdoms advice, really want more breakthroughs, changes in habits, and victory in areas we have been praying about for years, we have to daily commit to being still and hearing God’s voice.
We might have to give something up to make the change, like no email or social media before 9 am or a few less episodes of our favorite television or streaming service during the evening, but by God, it will, of course, be more than worth it.
Do you crave wisdom?
A great life and God’s favor depend on it.
Are you eager to hear wisdom taught?
Do you seek it every day?
Do you wait with excited anticipation for any opportunity to learn?
Eager seekers are blessed with life and God’s favor (Proverbs 8:35).
There are rewards for those who seek and find wisdom – the blessing of life and favor of the LORD (Proverbs 8:35).
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:13-18).
Proverbs 3:13-18 New American Standard Bible 1995
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. 14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than [a]jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. 16 [b]Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.
What a glorious proposition!
What hinders you today from hearing wisdom?
What hinders you today from seeking wisdom?
What hinders you from discovering wisdom?
Do you watch for her every day?
Are you waiting at the posts of her doors?
She loves those who love her, and those who seek her early will find her (Proverbs 8:17).
I am praying for a year of experiencing Wisdom’s abundance for us all in 2024.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 27 New American Standard Bible 1995
A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.
A Psalm of David.
27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the [a]defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? 2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I [b]shall be confident.
4 One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the [c]beauty of the Lord And to [d]meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His [e]tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. 6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices [f]with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 [g]For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a level path Because of [h]my foes. 12 Do not deliver me over to the [i]desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. 13 [j]I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
It’s true.
People are drawn to those who speak to them and about them kindly.
Speaking to others in a kind manner is a characteristic that we don’t come in contact with today like we use to.
IT TAKES VERY LITTLE COURAGE TO CLICK SEND.
In the past when anyone wanted to speak poorly about someone, they did it behind their back (still a terrible thing to do) but today, in this age of the smart phone and the internet, people get to “hide behind” their computer screens and phones and we get a whole lot more wild, bold with how we respond to others.
You don’t even have to share your name.
You can send something “anonymously” and hide your computers address.
If one was inclined, they can just be blatantly mean and remain anonymous.
SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL
I think today, more than ever before, it’s incredibly refreshing to hear kind and gracious words – such rare words have a huge impact on our mind and our body.
Like the verse says in Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 16:24 King James Version
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
I know how much my soul grieves, I know that I have felt sick to my stomach for days when someone has been downright mean toward me and I have felt a renewed sense of joy and energy when I hear true encouragement and praise.
Words affect our entire being. And they can remain a part of our souls makeup for the rest of our lives. I can remember as a child things I was told, both good and bad, and even today I really have to battle all the lies to embrace the truth.
I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS KIND AND LOVING
As one who is getting more mature in their years, if I leave one Kingdom legacy, I believe I would want it to be that I left others feeling good about themselves.
Not because I lied to to be politically correct, to over inflate their egos, to butter them up or with man’s wisdom made things up to baby them into feeling good.
But because I truly found the good in someone and left them feeling like I saw that piece of them and treated them in a way that they felt loved and respected.
Even when I have to share something negative, I want to turn to God, I want to strive to do it in a way that is gracious and kind – I want to turn them onto God.
There really are ways to give constructive criticism, to not be so blunt and so disrespectful, both in our every day lives and our social media lives. There are real people on the other side of that screen, who feel hurt, pain, joy, and love.
CHOOSE TO SPEAK LIFE
We each have the power to speak life and/or death into those around us.
We each can make a person feel either incredibly small or incredibly loved.
We need to be more careful with our words.
With our friends, with strangers, and for sure with our families- the ones who sometimes get the brunt of our frustrations.
So, in these days of 2024, stand out from the crowd – please have the courage to be kind – have some courage to speak life into those we come into contact with.
CULTIVATING A HONEYCOMB OF GRACIOUS WORDS
Proverbs 16:24 Amplified Bible
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet anddelightful to the soul and healing to the body.
What words are you putting out into the world?
Are we choosing our words thoughtfully, are we taking every opportunity to be Kingdom builders, Kingdom edifiers, speaking to encourage and uplift others?
our words “adding honey” sweetening the lives of those who hear, read them?
Or, are we following the Social Media trend to be anonymous, speak your mind, speak truth to set someone straight, or put another in his or her rightful place?
Maybe you try to be encouraging but others just push your buttons to the point where you feel like you have to say something, anything or you’ll simply burst!
It’s so easy in heated moments of conflict to get caught up in the latest political, social, fashion, or celebrity debate, say things you’ll wish later you hadn’t said.
So if you and/or I have slipped up in our words a few times, we are not alone.
James 3:2 describes how, “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
Still, Scripture reminds that,
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26).
Maybe we have been surprised by things we have heard or have read by other Christians and perhaps even our own words at times have caught us off guard?
Proverbs 13:3 gives incentive for choosing to be careful with your words, describing the difference it can make in your life to do so, stating,
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
If you struggle with speaking careless words, ask God to, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
As well, Psalm 34:13 urges to
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
When you do, Proverbs 12:14 encourages that from the fruit of your lips you will be filled with good things.
Proverbs 12:14Easy-to-Read Version
14People get good things for the words they say, and they are rewarded for the work they do.
Likewise, Proverbs 16:23 describes how, “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”
Speak truth, Speak of God, Speak Jesus, Speak Holy Spirit, ask God to direct your speech so that your words are helping to build up the faith of those around you.
As Colossians 3:16 urges, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
What is the object lesson of Proverbs 16 24?
As Proverbs 16:24 tells us, pleasant words are like a honeycomb, bringing sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
We want to be known for the fruit of our gentleness and for the fruit of our compassion and be using our words to uplift and encourage those around us.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 34:1-10 The Message
34 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
2 I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:
3 Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.
4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.
5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.
6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.
7 God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.
10Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
7 My son, remember my words. Don’t forget what I have told you. 2 Consider my teaching as precious as your own eyes. Obey my commands, and you will have a good life. 3 Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart. 4 Treat wisdom like the woman you love and knowledge like the one dearest to you. 5 Wisdom will save you from that other woman, the other man’s wife, who tempts you with such sweet words.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
I find it a dangerous thing to go grocery shopping when I’m hungry.
I find myself tempted to buy food that under normal circumstances would not appeal to me at all.
Reading my Bible, I am not alone, according to King Solomon: “One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet” (Proverbs 27:7).
This same principle can be applied to our pursuit of wisdom’s purity.
There is a real danger in going through our days spiritually hungry because we have not fed well upon the word of God.
If we are going to make any meaningful attempt at maintaining our purity, it is imperative that we not only read God’s word; we must also cherish it.
Solomon—the king of Israel to whom God gave wisdom that surpassed anyone else’s (1 Kings 3:3-14)—here uses language that gets directly at the notion of cherishing God’s word when he tells his son to;
“keep” his words, to “treasure” them, to keep them “as the apple of [his] eye,” to “bind” them, and to “write” them on his heart.
For us to relate to God’s word this way requires us to get beyond using the Bible merely as a textbook to study, a book of proof texts for arguments, or a promise book to which we will occasionally turn to on a Sunday morning when preached.
Our Cherishing God’s word requires us to seek the perspective of the psalmist who, far distancing himself from the proud and the scoffers of his day, says of the man who is walking with God, “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
There is a direct correlation between our delighting in God’s word—allowing it to lead, to control and ergo, guide our lives—and maintaining a zeal for purity.
As our text clearly admonishes, If we fail to cherish Scripture, the question is not ifwe will stumble in the matter of purity but inevitably – when.
Every one of us can keep our way pure by hiding God’s word in our hearts (Psalm 119:9-16).
Psalm 119:9-16 The Message
9-16 How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.
Do we have a plan for memorizing Scripture?
Let me challenge you to make a commitment to memorize a verse of the Bible, whether it’s every other day, every day, every week, or whatever it might be.
Make a plan, and stick with it.
Feast on God’s word and be satisfied. Cherish the Scriptures and be pure.
(Re)Discovering The Lost (?) Art Of Lifelong Learning
Proverbs 19:8 The Message
8 Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life.
I love to learn something new, exciting and different!
Every day, I try my best to take advantage of opportunities God brings me to learn something new.
Those opportunities take many forms: reading books, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts when I can find them, asking people questions, going to events, traveling when I can, even my praying about the meaning of my dreams.
It’s exciting for me to discover more about all sorts of topics that interest me.
In the process, God gives me glimpses of His miraculous creative works in the world, so I have a taste for discovering God’s wonder through lifelong learning.
Proverbs 19:8 urges students and readers of all ages and all ideological bents to learn all they can and then remember what they learned so they can prosper.
We should embrace the pursuit of wisdom, since it not only enhances our spiritual growth but also edifies, equips us to navigate life’s challenges well.
Education – in all its forms – empowers us with the tools to make informed decisions, understand the world around us, deepen our relationship with God.
God calls us to be lifelong learners, continuously seeking to grow in wisdom.
Proverbs 18:15 NIV advises: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Our ultimate teacher is the One who knows everything, as well as the source of everything there is to learn about: being God and His Son Jesus Christ Himself.
In Proverbs 1:7, we read “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The Bible tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” in both Proverbs 9:10 NIV and Psalm 111:10 NIV.
Proverbs 9:10 New International Version
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Psalm 111:10 New International Version
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
In Matthew 11:28-30 NIV,
Jesus urges us to learn from him and promises that the process of learning as we enjoy relationships with him will be easy and refreshing:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
God wants us to cultivate a hunger for learning.
Psalm 34:8-10 New International Version
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
We can “taste and see” by our taking advantage of the many opportunities God gives us to acquire more knowledge and wisdom. Here are some ways to do so:
-Engage in regular Bible study to gain spiritual insights.
-Pray regularly for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.
-Read books and articles on topics that interest you.
-Listen to podcasts when we can find them and listen to audiobooks on our phones or satellite radios while we’re shopping or doing household chores.
-Watch educational videos, such as documentaries.
-when we can afford to we can travel, attend conferences and workshops to learn from experts and network with other learners.
-In times of fellowship, discuss the news and other topics with people you know, asking them what they think and learning from their perspectives.
-Travel to experience new cultures and ways of life.
-Reflect on your dreams and ask the Holy Spirit to help you learn from them.
The keys to lifelong learning are for us to be more open to new experiences and more resolved and willing to put in the effort to discipline ourselves, to truly learn and apply what we learn to our lives with holy discernment and wisdom.
Our disciplined pursuit of knowledge should align with biblical principles and contribute positively to our spiritual growth.
Through lifelong learning, we open ourselves to the thriving lives God intends us to live.
So, resolve to get excited about learning more every day God gives us to live!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Dear God, we acknowledge that you are the source of all wisdom, and we humbly seek your guidance as we commit ourselves to lifelong learning. Please give us a hunger for your Word so we can diligently study and meditate on your teachings in the Bible. Help us to immerse ourselves in the Bible and find treasures of wisdom that will transform our minds and hearts. May Your Holy Spirit constantly be our teacher, guiding us and leading us into all truth and revealing the mysteries of your kingdom.
Grant us discernment to distinguish between knowledge aligning with your will and that knowledge which leads astray. Father, we ask for a humble and teachable spirit, recognizing there is always more to learn and ways to grow. Open our minds to new perspectives, experiences, and knowledge from diverse various sources, while always keeping your truth as our foundation. Help us to apply the knowledge we gain in practical ways, living out your principles in our daily lives, interactions with others.
Creator of all life, Author of all wisdom,Master Educator,Enable us to be a blessing to those around us, using our knowledge for your good purposes. Thank you for the gift of life and lifelong learning and the opportunity to grow wiser throughout our lives. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, whose our Savior and Teacher. Amen.
18 Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God’s teachings.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
We serve a God of boundaries.
In God’s limitless capacity, endless creativity, and boundless existence God still chose to create boundaries which man cannot hope to pass. (Genesis 3:22-24)
Genesis 3:22-24 New King James Version
22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Even so, God still had vision for what was good, right, pleasing, and perfect.
And as children made in His image, we are to live, think, and create as he does.
In this time of year leading up to Christmas marked by busyness and infinite distractions from seemingly infinite opportunities to be more like our God, it’s important now more than ever for us to create boundaries, establish priorities.
May we find our vision of God, find freedom and joy these days ahead as we receive His vision and set boundaries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
About Being The Person Who Sees What God is Doing
Proverbs 29:18 The Message
18 If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
The world we live in constantly bombards us with its attempts to define who we are and what we should do.
The internet and television are bombarded with advertisements hard selling all their products telling us why we fall short of expectations, sell us what we need.
Our jobs tell us how we should spend our time and find a sense of self-worth.
Our families and friends often define us by what we’ve done or said in the past.
And even our churches will sadly define us according to how we can best meet the needs of the worlds cultures rather than getting to know who God truly is.
TBTG, we serve ONE God who knows us even better than we know ourselves.
Psalm 139:1-4 says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”
And then later in Psalm 139 verse 16 David writes, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
Then as we try to plumb the depths of God’s words, we simply have no concept so, instead of trying to reach the ends of understanding, grasping God’s Words,
David concludes with blessed words which accept His humanities limitations –
Psalm 139:17-18 English Standard Version
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
From the foundation of the earth, God knew He would make us.
On the day we took our first breath He already had perfect, pleasing plans for us.
He has known our every thought and looked upon our every action with grace.
We could not be more known than we are right now by our heavenly Father.
And there could not possibly be anyone better, Shepherd us through the chaos, morass, of this life than God, the Father and God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 23 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Reading, envisioning those ancient words of Psalm 23, to be that person with healthy, life-giving, God first boundaries starts with being a person of vision.
And the only place to get true vision is from the only One who truly knows us.
God longs to be the true north on our compass.
The Word of God which stands as the only Global Positioning System we need.
Through His Words, He longs to give us honest insight into how He’s made us.
He longs to give us a prophetic vision of how He sees us and feels about us.
And in our receiving a prophetic revelation of who we are we will each be better equipped to envision God, follow his leadership into his perfect, pleasing will.
As we take the Word of God into the next week of Advent, proceed into this week of vision and boundaries by a fresh meeting with our heavenly Father in prayer.
From Alpha to Omega, Our God longs to help us see ourselves, this world, and vision opportunities before us, as He does that we might gain wisdom, insight.
We can choose to become more like God – become that person of Godly visions.
We can choose to pick our heads up and put on the lens of the Holy Spirit.
We can Ask God questions.
We can inquire of God about our vision of our life and our “God” opportunities.
In response God will provide the leadership we all need, exactly how we need it.
May we be overwhelmed by fresh revelation of how loved we are-just as we are.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
1. Meditate on the simple truth that God truly knows you.
Allow Scripture to lead you to a place of faith, trust, in God’s knowledge of you.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16
Psalm 139:17-18 Authorized (King James) Version
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
2. Ask God to give you a revelation of how he sees you. Ask Him for a revelation of his nearness and love. Begin to talk to Him about any imperfections you have.
Psalm 23 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
3. Ask God for a revelation of what God has called you to.
Ask Him about your role in your family and His calling on your life as a spouse, child, parent or grandparent.
Ask Him for vision for your work, for your roles with your co-workers and even with that “connection” those “relationships” you have with your Supervisors.
Ask Him for vision for your relationship with His Son – Journal His responses.
God my Creator, God my Father, pray restrain me to your will and vision for my life. Father I will wait expectantly for your vision and the steps I should take according to your will. I will go forth in faith as I step because I surrender my will to you. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 