Today's Proverb has a lot to do with LISTENING. It reminds me of a truth that I heard while in Bible College: God gave you two ears and one mouth because He wants you to listen twice as much.
Solomon starts off in verse one admonishing the reader to listen with purpose - "attend to know". How many times have we sat in a church service, listened to the preacher preach, but not heard anything? Many people have this idea that just showing up is good enough. But the fact of the matter is, we need to purpose in our heart to not just listen, but hear what is being said.
In verse 3, I have this thought written next to it in my Bible - I was once where you were, but you were never where I am. Experience, when used properly, can be such a great teacher. But too often times, those who are younger do not and will not take advantage of it.
A final thought is something that I once heard another preacher say, in regards to the phrase "know not" from verse 19. His thought was, "Wrong information produces wrong thinking, which produces wrong action." What a great principle for all of us to take to heart.
What spoke to you today from Proverbs 4?
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. [Proverbs 4:2 KJV]
ReplyDeleteThere are so many forsaking His law, and perverting His doctrine. Here's a good verse to use as a beginning.
When it comes to wicked and evil men, he tells us more:
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. [Proverbs 4:15 KJV]
The closing verses are thse best:
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. [Proverbs 4:26-27 KJV]
Hearing is a main topic in Ch 4, but also verse 7 stood out for me.
ReplyDeleteWisdom is the principle thing. Clearly in the first four chapters "wisdom" is a main theme. It is personified and spoken about very frequently. And we know that when the Word of God points us to something over and over it must be important.
I like the fact that "wisdom" is so important to obtain that Solomon says
therefore "get" wisdom and "get" it with "all thy getting". I'd say that is some pretty serious getting.
As a father I thank the Lord daily for my kids. Not only that they are great kids, but that they continually seek God in all they do and that they really want God's wisdom. The great thing is that I am able to read the Proverbs as a son and a father.
Have a great day!
And as Grammy said stay on that straight and narrow path.