Monday, November 3, 2008
Proverbs 3
One of the things you’ll notice about the Proverbs are the frequency in which the author uses cause and effect. If you do this, then God will do this. Sometimes it’s a warning, most of the time a blessing. Proverbs 3 could be called the “chapter of blessing.” The first 10 verses alone promise long life, a good name, straight paths, good health, and a healthy checking account. Of course, the blessings are not automatic. They require action, possibly a lifestyle change, from us.
One of the things that helps me implement the teachings of Proverbs is to take the advise of verse 1. “Keep my commands in your heart” means to memorize the Bible. If you find a verse that you want to put into practice, write it on an index card and keep it in your pocket or purse. Think about the verse throughout the day, put it into practice and own it.
What’s your favorite promise from Proverbs 3? What are you doing today to put yourself in a place of blessing? Comment below and let me know. I would love to pray for you.
Father, thank you for the promises and warnings of your Word. Write them on our heart that we may walk before you in wisdom.
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3 comments:
I have a question... I thought I had heard Prov. 3:34 in a different way but couldn't find it in the main versions... Then I did a search and found out it's referenced in both James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5. Why do you think it's worded differently in the New Testament, and what does it mean, "He mocks proud mockers?" All that to say, I have felt what it's like to be "the proud" in this life and wonder what is wrong with the world, definitely feeling "opposed" by God. I have also felt God's glorious grace. You mentioned light bulb moments yesterday, and I can say that when I stepped into God's glorious grace, it was a light bulb moment for me... shining light not on others faults, but my pride!
You've asked a great question, but it gets a little complicated to answer. Many times when you see an OT verse quoted in the NT it will read slightly different. The reason being that many of the NT writers were quoting from the Septuagint. The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. You and I have modern translations that have been translated directly from the original languages (OT - Hebrew and NT - Greek). I looked up Proverbs 3:34 in the Septuagint and it literally reads "The Lord opposes the proud or arrogant..." I'm not telling you all this to say that you can't trust certain verses in the Bible, you certainly can. The Bible we hold in our hands is a miracle in authenticity and accuracy. But anytime you translate through 2 languages (Hebrew to Greek to English) there will be linguistic differences.
I agree with your interpretation of God "mocking proud mockers." I don't think God sits in heaven sticking his tongue out at us when we fall. But when we in pride say, "I'm going to do it my way." God says, ok. He allows us to bite the dust, because humility is a great teacher. As you said, then we take our eyes off others faults and place them on our own sin. Thank God for the second part of the verse. He gives grace to the humble.
I like verse 6 and claim that verse. The Lord has brought me through nursing school recently and I give Him all the Glory for it. He is totally directing my paths. I trust in Him for the wisdom to do my job everyday. In verse 4 it says to find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. I need God's wisdom to know what to do and say to my patients and my coworkers. I can't speak openly about God at work but must rely on my character to shine and show the Lord. This is a really great thing to read the proverbs. I went to a baptist boarding school and every morning at 5:30am we got up and had a quick devotional where we read a Proverb for the day. There has been times where I got out of it and the Lord always convicted me to go back to the daily Proverbs. Way to go Troy, this is a great encourgement to the church.
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