TODAY’S READING: SONG OF SOLOMON 1-8

 

OVERVIEW:

The song of all songs that describes the love between a man and a woman; this is one of 1005 songs written by Solomon (I Kings4:32).     

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

This is a love story that involves three main characters: a lovely maiden, who was forced to work by her selfish family (1:5-6, 2:15); her beloved, a man who had won her heart, who also happened to be a shepherd (1:7); and King Solomon, who is known for his attraction to beautiful women (I Kings 11:3).

 

While on one of his trips to survey his lands, Solomon meets this lovely maiden and takes her to his palace.  There she can think only of her beloved back home (see chapters 1 & 2).  She tells the other women (the “daughters ofJerusalem” – 2:7, 3:5, 8:4) not to try to persuade her to forsake her true love.  In 2:8-3:5 she even dreams about her beloved!  Solomon visits her to try to win her love but it is to no avail, because she cannot forget about her true love back home (3:6-4:16).  Her beloved then has a dream about her (5:1-6:3).  Once again, King Solomon tries to win her love, but just as before, she refuses (6:4-7:9).  She is not impressed with the King’s wealth, spices, lands, or flattery.  Finally, true love wins out and the maiden is set free.  She flees to her beloved and is restored to her family again (8:4-14).

 

In this story, Solomon is a picture or type of the world that tries anything and everything to lure the believer away from the beloved Shepherd!  We, as believers are the bride of Christ and should not allow anything in this world come between us and the love we have for our Savior!  We are commanded by God to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark12:30), and to not love this world at all (James 4:4; I John2:15)!  Let’s remember daily, the love that our beloved Savior showed us, so we can return that same love to Him.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE SHEPHERD – Song of Solomon 1:7. (Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls – I Peter 2:25).

As THE BELOVED – Song of Solomon 1:14, 2:8, and 8:5; see Matthew3:17and12:18.

 

 

TODAY’S READING: ECCLESIASTES 7-12

 

OVERVIEW:

The vanity of wisdom apart from God (chapter 7); the vanity of hoping in government (chapter 8); the vanity of life’s unfairness (chapter 9); the vanity of foolish living (chapter 10); the vanity of selfish living (chapter 11); the vanity of forgetting God (chapter 12); and Solomon’s conclusion of the whole matter.              

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

While we are commanded by God to incline our ears unto wisdom (Prov. 2:2), we will be without fulfillment if it is done apart from God.  You can’t pursue wisdom (Eccl.7:23).  You have to pursue God, and by pursuing God you get wisdom!

 

Chapter 8 deals with the vanity of hoping in government or politics to make everlasting change.  As believers, if we are going to change the world, it will be done by changing one heart at a time with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The laws of government or the policies of politicians can only change behavior.  God is into changing hearts and lives forever.  Read Psalm 19 to remind you of the power of God and His Word.  No law on earth is perfect, but God’s Law is just that…perfect (Psalm 19:7).  No judgment on earth is true and righteous altogether, but God’s judgments are (Psalm 19:9).  Place your hope in God and the gospel, not the government!

 

Some interesting observations from chapter 8:

 

1. Verse 4 states that “Where the word of a king is, there is power.”  Is it mere coincidence that God’s Word for English speaking people is preserved for us in what is commonly called the KING James version?  It is one powerful Book!

 

2. Verse 11 states that “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil”.  This verse is a perfect explanation as to why the death penalty here inAmericais not the effective deterrent to crime that it should be (the average wait on death row is over 10 years!).  The more practical application to this verse though for a believer would have to do with training our children.  Have you found yourself as a father or mother telling your kids to do or not to do something more than once before the command is obeyed?  The Bible is clear as to what we as parents should be doing to train our children before we get to the point of frustration and anger because of their disobedience.  Parents to need to be consistent and biblical in their discipline of their children so that their hearts are not “fully set in them to do evil”.           

 

Chapter 12 is a description of old age and the dying process:

            Verse 1 – old age is a burden

            Verse 2 – one health crisis after another

            Verse 3a – you start to shake

            Verse 3b – the bowing of the back

            Verse 3c – your teeth are few

            Verse 3d – eyesight is dimmed

            Verse 4a – hearing is fading

            Verse 4b – anything wakes you up

            Verse 4c – voice is weakened

            Verse 5a – difficult walking up steps

            Verse 5b – everything causes fear

            Verse 5c – no drive for life/sex

            Verse 7 – then you die and your spirit returns to God who gave it.

 

In light of all he experienced under the sun, Solomon concludes that it all comes down to this…”fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE POOR WISE MAN – Eccl. 9:14-16; II Corinthians 8:9 tells us that Jesus Christ became poor to be able to deliver us.

As THE CREATOR – Eccl. 12:1; see John 1:1-3,14. 

 

TODAY’S READING: ECCLESIASTES 1-6

 

OVERVIEW:

The vanity or emptiness of life under the sun (apart from God); the vanity in life’s cycles (chapter 1); the vanity in life’s pursuit (chapter 2); the vanity of time (chapter 3); the vanity of social status (chapter 4); the vanity of religion and riches (chapter 5); the vanity of long life (chapter 6).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

To help fit the Book of Ecclesiastes into the big picture, understand that whereas the Book of Psalms reveals the HEART of GOD, and the Book of Proverbs reveals the MIND of CHRIST, the Book of Ecclesiastes reveals to us the MIND of the SPIRIT.  It is a Book that shows the great contrast between the workings of the spirit of man and the Spirit of God.

 

Ecclesiastes is written by King Solomon, the son of King David, in his old age after a life full of selfish living and many regrets.  He writes this book under the inspiration of the Spirit to spare us the bitterness of learning through experience that nothing under the sun really satisfies the human heart apart from God.  This small book in the Old Testament gives us undeniable evidence of our need for a Savior in order to provide us a purpose for living on earth.  Without Jesus Christ, and the mission for which he left us to accomplish, we also would be living empty lives without any meaning, as Solomon so eloquently describes for us in this book.

 

Jeremiah 2:13 says, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”  From this verse we learn three things about people in general:

1. They are empty (they have no God),
2. They are stubborn (determined to be filled with something), and
3. They will ultimately be disappointed (because they cannot be filled). 

 

Ecclesiastes is a book written about things that will not satisfy that men still continually seek after (see John 4:13): wisdom (1:16-18), pleasure (2:1-3), superiority (2:15), hard work/labor (2:19-21), alcohol (2:3), possessions (2:4-6), power (2:7), money (2:8-9, 5:10-11), and music (2:8), just to name a few.  Thankfully, Jesus came to meet our every need and to give us an eternal purpose for our lives here on earth.  I Corinthians15:58says… “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”  Solomon was correct in concluding that all is vanity under the sun, but our labor is not in vain in the Lord!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE SON OF DAVID – Eccl. 1:1.  (Matt. 1:1— Jesus Christ is the Son of David)

 

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 29-31

 

OVERVIEW:

More warnings and instructions; the words of Agur; the words that Lemuel’s mother taught him.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Because of the vast number of subject changes in each day’s reading in the Book of Proverbs this has been perhaps the most difficult of all of the Books we have read thus far in our365 Days of Pursuitto adequately formulate the “Highlights and Insights” Section.  As has been mentioned repeatedly, it is a Book that merits continual reading, study, and memorization.

 

Whereas the Book of Psalms presents the HEART of GOD, the Book of Proverbs presents the MIND of GOD, or perhaps more specifically, the MIND of CHRIST (I Cor. 2:16).  It is the most intricate Book in the entire Bible to show us how God thinks, or to show us “the mind of the Lord” (I Cor.2:16).  It basically reveals to us God’s viewpoint and opinion on every issue of life.  If, as God’s people, we would simply make God’s opinion as it is revealed in the Book of Proverbs, our opinion, and if we would adopt God’s viewpoint as it is revealed in the Book of Proverbs, as our viewpoint, not only would it SIMPLIFY our lives, it would REVOLUTIONIZE our lives!

 

Whereas the Book of Leviticus is an intricate Book detailing God’s instruction concerning the PHYSICAL aspects ofIsrael’s life, I like to view the Book of Proverbs as an intricate Book detailing God’s instruction concerning the SPIRITUAL aspects of a believer’s life.  Any squabble or conflict we face in life, whether it be relational or financial, whether it be in our home, church, workplace or neighborhood, it can invariably be traced back to a violation of something God specifically revealed in this Book.  The Book of Proverbs is that comprehensive and that practical!

 

If we would simply allow this Book to be our wise Counselor for living life, by the time we apply God’s wisdom as it is revealed in the first 30 chapters, we would be the “Virtuous Woman” of chapter 31. (Remember, as Christians, we are identified biblically as women.  We are a bride – Rev. 21:9.  We are a virgin – II Cor. 11:2).  The question of Proverbs 31:10 is a good one:  “Who can find a virtuous woman?”  The answer in the Laodicean Church Period is, NOT MANY!  She is hard to find.  She is extremely rare.  She is almost extinct.  Are you a “virtuous woman”?

 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE ONE WHO DESCENDED FROM AND ASCENDED TO HEAVEN – Prov. 30:4 (John3:13– Jesus came down from heaven, even the Son of Man Who is (now) in heaven.)

 

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 25-28

 

OVERVIEW:

Similitudes and instructions; warnings and instructions.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

This is the third and final section of the Book of Proverbs (chapters 25-31), as we saw that God neatly “divides” (II Tim.2:15) into three sections for us by the three times He inspired Solomon to pen the words, “The proverbs of Solomon.” The first three chapters in today’s reading (chapters 25-27) are different in structure than we have seen thus far. They are different in that they are in groups of verses on the same topic, often referred to as epigrams (a brief, clever, pointed remark or observation typically marked by an antithesis). The last chapter in today’s reading (chapter 28) goes back to the comparative, completive, or contrastive couplets proverbs. (There will be 55 in all in this section through chapter 29.)

 

The first part of chapter 25 refers to kings.

1. Kings like to “search out a matter.” (vs. 2)
2. A king’s heart is “unsearchable.” (vs. 3)
3. Kings’ thrones are established by righteousness. (vs. 5)
4. Kings reject people who praise themselves. (vs. 6)
5. Kings have no patience with pushy people. (vs. 7)

 

The second part of chapter 25 is sort of a “hobo stew” mix of information concerning communication, relationships, and attitudes (attitudes such as pride, strife, impatience, argumentation, generosity, and backbiting).

 

In chapter 26:3-12, Solomon gives us a discourse concerning fools.

1. The fool requires the rod of correction. (vs. 1-3)
2. The “committed” fool will conform you to himself if you converse with him, so don’t! (vs. 4)
3. The “simple” fool can be turned from becoming like the “committed” fool, so, answer his questions. Give him wise counsel. (vs. 5)
4. The fool is unable to express a proverb clearly. (vs. 7)
5. The fool, given honor, is dangerous to himself and others. (vs. 8)
6. The parable in a fool’s mouth is as a wound (i.e. he’ll hurt you with it). (vs. 9)
7.  Any reward a fool receives comes from the God of all creation. (vs. 10)
8. The fool always returns to his folly. (vs. 11)
9. There is more hope for a fool, than for a self-proclaimed wise man. (vs. 12)

 

In the next four verses, 26:13-16, Solomon gives us a discourse concerning sluggards.

1. The sluggard gives exaggerated reasons for not leaving the house. (vs. 13)
2. The sluggard has restless sleep. (vs. 14)
3. The sluggard doesn’t even like to exert the energy to feed himself. (vs. 15)
4. The sluggard is very skilled in creating ways to avoid work. (vs. 16)

 

The final two chapters in today’s reading (chapter 27-28) should be read in a way that allows one to ponder the powerful truth in each verse. In so doing it will almost record itself in our memory with little effort. Consider these examples…

• “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (27:2).
• “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied” (27:20).
• “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (27:20).
• “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (28:9)
• “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (28:13).

 

Allow these and other verses to become your meditation; they will be the promptings our Lord will use to lead you in the way today.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the ONE WHO REWARDS THOSE WHO REPAY EVIL WITH GOOD – Prov. 25:21-22. (If your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. Rom.12:20)

 

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 21-24

 

OVERVIEW:

Warnings and instructions about life.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In the “Introduction to Proverbs,” we talked about the inspirational/devotional application of the kings’ instruction to his son (1:1) in the Book of Proverbs lining up with the years of his life. In light of that, it is interesting to note the instruction and warnings that are given in chapters 21-24. During these “years,” so to speak:

• His heart is to be “in the hand of the Lord: (21:1).
• He is cautioned about women.

“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house” (21:9).

“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman” (21:19).

• He is warned about how wealth is vanity and easily lost, and that having a “good name” (possessing character and integrity), makes you more “wealthy” than riches. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all” (22:1-2). “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (23:5)
• He is admonished to learn the value of humility, and the fear of the Lord. (The two go hand in hand.  The only way to really see yourself for who you really are is to see the Lord for who He really is!)  “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life” (22:4). (I love Andrew Murray’s definition of humility: “Humility is not thinking meanly of ourselves; it is not thinking of ourselves at all.” Until we “fear the Lord,” we will continue to be preoccupied with thoughts about self.)
• He is instructed about training his children. “Train up a child in the way he should go: when he is old, he will not depart from it” (22:6). “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (22:15). “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell” (23:13-14).
• He is cautioned about his finances, and the dangers associated with debt. “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Prov. 22:7). “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” (Prov. 22:26-27). “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (22:29). “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (23:4).
• He is warned about the friends he makes and the company he keeps. “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease” (22:10). “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go. Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul” (22:24-25).
• He is warned about losing sight of his roots. “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set” (22:28). “Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless” (23:10).
• He is cautioned about being envious. “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long” (23:17). “Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction and their lips talk of mischief” (24:1-2).

 

 

• He is admonished concerning alcohol. “Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (23:19-21). “Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright” (23:29-31).
• He is instructed about how to have a home that is built by the Lord and filled with satisfaction. “Through wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches (i.e. the things money can’t buy)” (24:3-4).
• He is encouraged to seek wise counsel from more than one person when making important decisions. “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety” (24:6).
• He is admonished to learn how to work hard. “I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man” (24:30- 34).

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED

As HE THAT IS PURE, WHOSE WORK IS RIGHT – Prov. 21:86 (John 4:34; 17:4).

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 17-20

 

OVERVIEW:

The contrast between goodness and evil; warnings and instructions about life.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we have seen all the way through the365 Days of Pursuit, the Bible is filled with practical insights for living. That is especially true of the Book of Proverbs, for it is really nothing more than a collection of God’s complex and diverse statements of truth about life, compared or contrasted with that which is not true. As was suggested in the “Introduction To Proverbs” on Day 195, this collection is to be read slowly, reflecting on the content, and often!  Again, as mentioned, one of the best ways to establish this routine is to read the chapter each day that corresponds with the day’s date. If you’ll simply add a chapter of Proverbs a day to your regular Bible study each year, do you realize that in the next 20 years, you will have made your way through the Book of Proverbs 240 times?! Before you know it, the contrasts and parallels will become recorded on the hard drive of your mind, providing you wisdom moment by moment as the Holy Spirit guides you to walk in the way with the wise (Prov.13:20).

 

I’m with Solomon in verse one in today’s reading (chapter 17)! I’d rather have my family all intact, living in peace (quietness) in a shack with just enough food to get us by, than to live in a fat house, able to eat whatever we please, but have it all in the midst of strife in our relationships with each other! (See also Prov. 21:9) Many American Christians in pursuit of the “things on earth,” (Col. 3:1-2), got what they wanted, but lost what they had. Be careful. Be wise!

 

The second half of verse 6 in chapter 17 packs such a wallop that I can’t just pass over it, but there’s not enough space to really nail the unbelievable implications of this simple truth: “The glory of children are their fathers.” That’s not something you teach your children, it’s just something that is! Because of that truth, more than our culture, environment, and education; more than circumstances of life or socioeconomic level; even more than our MOTHER; nothing humanly has had, or will ever have a more profound influence and impact on who we are, what we are, and what we do than our fathers. Whether

he was present or absent; whether he was living or dead; whether we knew him very well or didn’t know him at all; whether we loved him, hated him, or somewhere in-between; whether we like to admit it or not, the fact is – all of us we’re greatly affected and deeply impacted by him. Whether you are a son or daughter, a mother, or a father, and whether you are old or young, the biblical information regarding fathers is something every person needs to understand. We have spent countless hours studying this subject of the “FATHER FACTOR” in our Church. It is the biggest factor of mine and your life.

 

If you like to talk a lot, verse 27 of chapter 17 might be a great verse to memorize. This verse has spawned quite a few catch phrases and quips through the years, such as:

• “Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, refuses to give evidence of it.”
• “Silence is a hard argument to refute”
• “He can never speak well who cannot hold his peace.”
• “As a man grows older and wiser, he talks less but says more.”

 

Chapter 18 and verse 1 is key. It lets us know that to arrive at wisdom, we must possess a “desire” that is so intense, that we are willing to “separate” ourselves from anything and everything that would interfere with that pursuit! If you need a reason to continue on in our365 Days of Pursuit, (I hope you don’t!), this verse (18:1) is a great one!

 

The “fool” on the other hand (in 18:2), has only one pursuit: “That his heart may discover itself.” If you were to ask him, “What is the biggest problem in our world, ignorance or apathy?” his response would no doubt be, “I don’t know and I don’t care!” How many “fools” (God’s identification, not mine) have LOST themselves in the midst of FINDING themselves! Allowing your “heart” to “discover itself” is an invitation to disaster! We have been instructed to “keep (guard) your heart with all diligence” (Prov.4:23).  Without that guardianship of our hearts, the “issues of life” (Prov.4:23) coming out of it will destroy us!

 

Verse 8 of chapter 18 is extremely graphic: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of them, you understand just how perfect that description is. The talebearer, in effect, is a murderer. He slays a persons reputation and/or character with a sword that Psalm 57:4 and 64:3 identifies as the tongue.

 

There are many hearts that are bleeding today because they have been stabbed by someone’s tongue. You can’t help it happening to you, but you most certainly can help it happening BY you!  Once again, it’s a heart issue. Jesus said in Matt. 12:34, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”  As always, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. Keep (guard) yours today!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED

As THE KING Who sits on the throne of judgment – Prov. 20:8. (John 5:22)

 

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 13-16

OVERVIEW:

The contrast of the upright and the wicked.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we begin today, perhaps you will find it beneficial to understand the “big picture” of Proverbs. The Book can be broken down into three divisions (II Tim.2:15). These divisions can be identified by the three times Solomon identifies himself as the author of Proverbs.

 

• Division One – Proverbs 1-9
• Division Two – Proverbs 10-24
• Division Three – Proverbs 25-31

 

As we find ourselves in today’s reading in that second “division” (Prov. 10-24), there are actually 375 actual Proverbs connected in one of three types of “couplets”:

 

1. CONTRASTIVE (The “couplet” in these Proverbs is normally identified by the word “BUT”.)  The intent is to catch your attention and present a truth by the compact presentation of some striking contrast, as in “The lips of the righteous feed many: BUT fools die for want of wisdom” (Prov.10:21).
2. COMPLETIVE (The “couplet’ in these Proverbs is normally identified by the word “AND”.)  The second line of the Proverb agrees with the first, and often adds to it, as in “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: AND his children shall have a place of refuge” (Prov.14:26).
3. COMPARATIVE (The “couplet” in these Proverbs is normally identified by the word “THAN”.) The focus in these Proverbs is often to what actually is the more excellent of the two, as in “Better is a little with righteousness, THAN great revenues with right” (Prov. 16:8).

 

Chapter 13 begins, “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction…” Remember Solomon’s son was, Rehoboam. He had hoped, like any father, that his son would receive instruction. Solomon longed for his own son to be “BRANDED” by:

1. Proper living (13:2, 3)
2. Honesty (13:5)
3. His legacy (13:22)
4. The Word of God (13:13,14)
5. The desire to acquire knowledge (13:15,16)
6. Love (13:24)

 

There are those times in Proverbs when a verse or a word seems to stand out more than others; vs. 13 in chapter 13 is such a verse. “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded”. This chapter has much to say about listening more than talking, “A man shall eat good by the by the fruit of his mouth” (vs. 2); “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life” (vs. 3). If this son had been a good listener in verse 1, he would experience none of the negativity mentioned in the rest of the chapter. If we would follow the admonition of verse 20, it alone would change the course of destiny: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

 

Women are given good advice in the first verse of chapter fourteen. When her choice is to take matters into her own hands she has fallen for the tempter’s bait, much like Eve in the first confrontation with the god of all evil. He still starts with a question, “hath God said, Ye shall not”— (remember, “Don’t answer a fool according to his folly”!) If you don’t know what God hath said on any given subject, that will be the area of temptation. See Matt. 4; the example of Jesus. His response was, “It is written”… then He quoted the Word of God. Verses 12 and 15 of this chapter would be great verses to hide in your heart!  Good advice for all of us to heed is found in 15:1. Oh, how much we could improve our daily situations with a “soft answer”. The all-seeing eye of God (vs. 3), should be motivation enough. How can anyone train themselves to answer softly in such a stressed environment? The answer is closer than you may think! Look at first the verse in the next chapter for the answer!  If you are quick to answer, especially in anger, you might consider the first three verses in chapter 16, and commit them to memory.

 

 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED

As the ONE Who punishes the proud – Prov. 16:5. (Luke 14:11)

As the FRIEND that sticks closer than a brother – Prov. 18:24. (John 15:14-15; Heb. 13:5)

 

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 9-12

 

OVERVIEW:

Wisdom’s invitation; the contrast between the righteous and the wicked; the contrast between the upright and the wicked.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

One of the most incredible qualities of the Bible is its ability to transcend time and culture. Though it is thousands of years old, its relevancy and application to today is nothing short of supernatural.

 

Because of the way the Book of Proverbs was designed by the Holy Spirit, declaring truth based on comparison, and cause and effect, the Book of Proverbs is one of the easiest Books in the entire Bible to make applicable to those of us living in the 21st century.

 

As we begin in chapter 9 today, just as we saw in chapter 8, wisdom is personified as a woman (i.e. “Wisdom hath built HER house” – 9:1). In chapter 9, the WISE “woman” is contrasted with the FOOLISH “woman.”

 

Both extend an invitation to the “simple,” who is identified in verse 4 as one that lacketh or “wanteth understanding.” They have similar invitations, but very different motives.

 

Note in verse 1 that “she (wisdom) hath hewn out her seven pillars.” These seven pillars are the seven manifestations of the Holy Spirit referred to in Rev. 4:5 (also Rev. 1:4; 3:1; 5:6) as the “seven Spirits of God.” They are specifically identified in Isaiah 11:2 as:

1. The spirit of the Lord
2. The spirit of wisdom
3. The spirit of understanding
4. The spirit of counsel
5. The spirit of might
6. The spirit of knowledge
7. The spirit of the fear of the Lord.

 

The invitation that is extended to the “simple” by both of the “women” (the “WISE” vs. 1 and the “FOOLISH” vs. 13) is to a “feast.” Wisdom offers a feast of “bread” and “wine” in verse 5 (the elements, coincidentally enough, of communion – I Cor.10:16). The feast offered by the foolish woman is described in verse 17 – “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant,” and ends up being a stinky pile of worms where the fire is not quenched! (See Ex.16:20and Isa. 66:24).

 

In verses 9 and 10 of chapter 9 is a key truth in the Book of Proverbs. To “increase in learning” we must possess the “fear of the Lord,” and have the “knowledge of the holy” (i.e. Holy God, Holy Word, Holy Spirit, Holiest of Holies, Holy Place, Most Holy Place, etc.) Anyone who does not acquire this “knowledge” will be unable to make sense out of life and will be unable to know life’s purpose, and will be forced to come up with his own meaning and purpose which will be “foolish” and completely irrational to the mind of the Lord.

 

This truth, if kept in focus as we read the Proverbs will reveal how far apart the Wise Man and the Foolish Man really are. This insight will indicate clearly what we are free to say to these individuals and those we are instructed not to answer at all (Col. 4:6). Note in Matt. 27:11-14, Jesus would not answer the accusations of the chief priest and elders, Pilate marveled, because it was an inner strength that he did not possess.

 

Look at Proverbs 26:4-5, where there appears to be a contradiction regarding who we should answer. First, verse 4, answer not a fool according to his folly, or you will become like him. Next, verse 5, answer a fool according to his folly, or he will become wise in his own conceit. So which is it? Am I supposed to answer or not? The key is the difference between the two fools.

 

The first fool is a committed fool. He is already “wise in his own conceit.” He has accepted that wrong is right, and teaches others to believe the same. To answer this type of fool, will further equip him in his folly. He is argumentative and will twist your words to defeat immature Christians, or twist your words to convince a simple fool that what you say is wrong.

 

The second fool, is a simple fool. As indicated above, he is reachable and teachable. He is looking for a role model. He is a perfect candidate for those in gangs to initiate into their criminal involvement on one hand (1:10-19), or on the other, he is a perfect candidate for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ to reach with the gospel of salvation, introducing him to the ultimate Role Model, the Lord Jesus Christ

Himself (I John 2:6).

 

As you continue your study, be aware of the vast contrast between these two types of people. It will challenge you to do as we are instructed in I Peter 3:15. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As ONE who hates lying – Prov.12:22. “He that sat upon the throne said… all liars, shall have their

part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: this is the second death.” (Rev. 21:5,8)

 

 

TODAY’S READING: PROVERBS 5-8

 

OVERVIEW:

The pitfalls of immorality, the father’s counsel to his son; the wiles of the strange woman; the blessing of wisdom; understanding and truth.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

These four vital chapters in today’s reading reveal how God has provided wisdom and understanding to preserve the purity of a person’s God-given sexual desires. God shows us that these desires are reserved to be fulfilled in the chamber of a covenant marriage bed that is undefiled (Heb. 13:4).

 

God also reveals the attempt of the enemy of all righteousness, who tempts us through the invitations of the opposite sex to satisfy these desires in the heat of passionate compromise, with the ultimate goal to destroy personal purity, contaminate a church or community, and condemn a country, thus aborting potential for successful leadership, from the lack of a pure heart and clear conscience.

 

The person who is pre-disposed to do the right thing is one who has predetermined to guard (“keep”) his heart, so as not to be lured away from his surrender to Christ’s Lordship.  Understanding the benefits of wisdom is a major part of that process, as we learned in chapter four. We must first hear the father’s instruction attentively so we can understand his doctrine (teaching), and purpose not to forsake what we have been taught.

 

Chapter five opens with PAY ATTENTION to my wisdom, to my understanding so you will not fall for the invitation of the strange woman. Her alluring words are sweet, her smooth seductive mouth will be inviting, (vs. 3), but she will become bitter, calloused, and fickle in her ways.

 

RUN! Is the father’s advice, before you pay the price.

1. Giving your honor to others. (vs. 9)
2. Your years to cruel habits. (vs. 9)
3. Strangers controlling your money. (vs. 10)
4. You will work as a laborer. (vs. 10)
5. You will lose your health. (vs. 11)
6. You will experience cycles of regret and depression. (vs. 12-14)
7. You will miss God’s plan of experiencing the pure love of your life mate. (vs. 15-19)
8. You will develop addictions to your sin tendency. (vs. 22)
9. You will experience an early death from ignoring instructions. (vs. 23)

 

All these losses lead progressively to the warning of idleness and deceit, in chapter six, (often referred to as the devil’s workshop). The culminating sum of ignorance in these warnings is sudden calamity and brokenness that is irreparable (vs. 15), which is often caused by the sowing of discord among the brethren (vs. 19). This person is characterized by the following six things that the Lord hates, seventh actually being an abomination to Him:

 

1. A proud look. (vs. 17a)
2. A lying tongue. (vs. 17b)
3. Hands that shed innocent blood. (vs. 17c)
4. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations. (vs.18a)
5. Feet that are swift to run into mischief. (vs. 18b)
6. A false witness that speaketh lies. (vs. 19a)
7. Sowing discord among the brethren. (vs. 19b)

 

Obey your mother and father (vs. 20-24, c.f. Eph. 6:1-2) is still the best advice for young men to avoid the dangers of the strange woman. The strong warning is in vs. 25, lusting in the heart, which is adultery (Matt.5:28).

 

Chapter seven opens with the admonition to keep the father’s words and commandments to guard against the lure of sensual involvement so prevalent in every generation. The young man void of understanding (“simple” – vs. 7), is easy prey for the strange woman, especially when his curiosity lures him to her neighborhood (vs. 8), i.e. “curiosity killed the cat,” and it will kill this cool cat also! Being cool is often being stupid. This woman should have been easily recognized by the way she was dressed, or by the way she was undressed, but there are three unmistakable characteristics given in vs. 11: She is LOUD, she is STUBBORN, she does not like to STAY HOME. (CAUTION). This is a temptation for teenage girls to act this way for acceptance with her peers. The precious life is sought after even by the adulteress woman in chapter 6 and verse 26, but they hunt in all the wrong ways, and in all the wrong places. (i.e. “I’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places” – Country music’s, Waylon Jennings.)

 

Ironically, what this woman does beginning in verses 15-18, would be totally appropriate if this preparation was done in anticipation of spending this time presenting herself to her husband. It would fit very nicely in the context of the Song of Solomon.

 

The opening theme in chapter eight is three-fold: wisdom, understanding, and truth. This three-fold theme carries with it the following promises:

1. By me kings reign.
2. By me princes decree justice.
3. By me princes rule.
4. By me nobles rule.
5. By me all the judges of the earth rule.
6. All riches and honor are with me.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the CREATOR WHO prepared the heavens – Prov. 8:27-31 (Hebrews1:10; John 1:3).