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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Ian Moore and are based on Proverbs 1 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
James 1
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behaviour, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance – 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools
despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, 29 since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, 30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke... 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Sunday February 23 - Gaining wisdom
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom
and instruction; for understanding words of insight... Proverbs 1:1-2
It’s my prayer, as we journey through the book of Proverbs, that we will grow in the wisdom embodied in the timeless word of God. The dictionary describes a proverb as a traditional saying expressing a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. The book of Proverbs is far more than common sense; it is the wisdom of God, given so that we might live life well. Our author for the most part is Solomon, King of Israel some 3000 years ago. It provides us with a manual for skilful living. The theme throughout is the stark comparison between wisdom and folly.
Solomon’s father was King David, ‘a man after God's own heart’ (Acts 13:22). I can imagine David making quality time for his son, Solomon, with the express purpose of instilling the godly principles needed to guide him throughout his life, and especially for his future kingship of Israel. These pithy life-lessons were to be passed on, generation to generation.
I work alongside men in prison, many of whose lives might have taken a drastically different course had they been instructed in the ways of wisdom. Had I myself listened to the voice of wisdom, I would have avoided many pitfalls and the inevitable consequences I now regret. Dear friend, be comforted; it is never too late to learn – such is the amazing grace of our God!
Heavenly Father, show me your ways, lead me in your paths and teach me your truth (Psalm 25:4), for your glory. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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