Thanks for those who not only read, but especially to those who took part in the discussion on Saturday, the 1st. I know Sunday's are a little more difficult to get to the computer because of church, so I am looking forward to getting everyone opinions and questions today.
There is a lot that can be said about chapter 3, but I will only comment on a couple of verses so that you may add your thoughts to some of the others. Here goes:
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Often, we only think about and quote verses 3:5-6, but I think verse 7 is the key to verse 6 and how to acknowledge God. How do you acknowledge God? By not being wise in your own eyes, fearing the Lord, and staying away from evil. If we can do these 3 things, then we will be acknowledging, or in tune with God and He can then direct our paths. So many Christians today lack purpose because they lack a proper understanding of themselves and of God's holiness and therefore they do not follow the path that God had set before them.
What are you thoughts?
Good Morning Bro. Brad! Chapter 3 of Proverbs contains my "life" verses: 5 - 6. I really appreciate your notes on verse 7. I had never thought about that verse being the "how" to acknowledge Him. All my life the Lord has PATIENTLY taught me to trust Him with all my heart and not depend on my own pitiful understanding of any situation. Another great principle I see in Chapter 3 is that in verses 9 - 10: Give and you will be given to. And finally, knowing and serving the Lord is the most important thing we can ever do in this life - that is real wisdom.
ReplyDeleteNot a lot of Christians like to talk about giving, but the Bible sure does!
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting truth about giving you see here in this chapter is from 3:26-29. If you read it again, vs. 27-28 deal with the issue of giving. The interesting truth is that these two giving verses are sandwhiched in vs. 26 and 29 by cautionary truths. I think that it shows that giving is the result of having the Lord as our confidence, and when we do not give we are devising evil.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question...Colby's journal verses are: "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh." 3:24-25 Perfect discussion for a child!
ReplyDeleteWe discussed much also on the "giving" verses.
The discussions are going really well with Colby and emphasizing to use the Bible to gain wisdom & knowledge of God.
Glad to read about you and Colby getting into the study. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteMy question: Who is the female referenced in vs. 15 thru 18?
ReplyDelete27 and 28 were the ones that caught my eye. Obviously, Solomon had seen this occur. I almost selected 25 as a stand alone item to peruse in depth. These things will occur. There's no "Why me?" when we know bad things can happen to very good people, and God knows all about it. See -- that's the problem in Proverbs. All of the verses speak to us daily.
ReplyDeleteI agree about verse seven! It's so important to read in context and really understand what is bein said, rather than pick and choose which verses you like the best.
ReplyDeleteVerses 32-35---- for the child of God
ReplyDeleteRighteous
Just
Lowly
Wise
If we follow God's will described in Chapter 3 we get His secret, our home is blessed, we get the grace of salvation and finally inherit glory.
Simple, but of course Bro. Brad you might could spend a whole study on Ch. 3.
Have a great day!
Hey Lynda, sorry for the delay. I was gone all day to a revival meeting in Grass Lake and did not have my laptop with me.
ReplyDeleteAs to your question, the "she" is referring to wisdom in verse 13. Commentator Albert Barnes says this as to why the feminine is used:
"Wisdom is personified. In the Hebrew the noun is a feminine plural, as though this Wisdom were the queen of all wisdoms, uniting in herself all their excellences."
Hope this answers your question. Thanks for asking and reading.