Don’t Ignore The Warnings

Proverbs 7:1-27

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.  Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.  Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.  Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.” (Proverbs 7:1-5)

The sexual drive is a powerful urge in most people.  It is easily perverted and, if uncontrolled, can become a serious problem.   Because of the danger, Solomon spends quite a bit of time warning of the dangers and giving proper guidelines.   By learning, and adopting proper standards for oneself, one can avoid the common dangers and perversions.  Unfortunately, modern society seems intent on discrediting those standards as out dated and obstructive, leaving generations susceptible to flattery and impulsive behavior.

“For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart.” (Proverbs 7:6-10)

As he watched the crowds in the street below, Solomon observed a young man who had not learned the importance of the basic principles of life.  He was deliberately going to a place where he would be likely to meet compliant members of the opposite sex, looking for a good time.  In such a place he met a person who was dressed provocatively, and was good at manipulating people.

“(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.  Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.” (Proverbs 7:11-15)

The person is outgoing and uninhibited and very exciting, and seems very sure of themselves, stubbornly trying to push a little farther even after being told no.    Carefully planned and unexpected contacts set the hormones raging, and references to religious beliefs or charitable activities allay suspicion, implying that this ian not something they normally do and that meeting is somehow destiny. 

“I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.  I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.  Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.  For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.” (Proverbs 7:16-20)

A definite effort is made to make one feel that they are special, using symbolic actions such as giving flowers or a special meal, to make the sexual involvement seem even more desirable and fitting.  An excuse is presented as to why the sexual behavior is acceptable.  In this case she indicates the husband neglects her, going on long trips and leaving her lonely.  Others use unresponsiveness or infidelity or abuse, always implying that the problems are with their mate or “friend.”

“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.  He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.” (Proverbs 7:21-23)

Overwhelmed by the sweet talk and sense of importance and raging hormones and emotions, the foolish person throws caution to the winds and gets involved.  He ignores all the warnings, like a cow walking into a slaughter house despite the smell of blood and death, or like a fool who ignores the law.  The consequences of their actions take them completely by surprise, like being shot in the back.    They are so focused on their pleasure they don’t realize that getting it may cost them their very life and happiness.

“Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.  Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.  For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.  Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” (Proverbs 7:24-27)

While Solomon has used the illustration of a young man, he warns all the children.  Don’t allow yourself even to consider getting involved, much less begin to live such a lifestyle.  Sexual involvements have hurt a lot of people, destroying the careers and reputations and fortunes of very powerful people, sometimes resulting in the deaths by the hands of a jealous lover. 

In any case, sexual sin brings one into direct opposition of God.  I Corinthians 6:9- 10 warns, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”  Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation 21;8 make similar statements. 

It is important to understand a person does not go to hell because he commits adultery.  He goes to hell because he refuses God’s authority in his life, refusing to obey.  Adultery, like other sins, demonstrates that rebellion against God.  

Actions Have Consequences

Proverbs 6:1-35

“My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.  Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.  Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.  Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.” (Proverbs 6:1-5)

Many times we feel obligated to help someone else when they are having problems, perhaps co-signing a loan or loaning them one’s rent money to tide them over a bad patch on their promise to repay before the rent is due.  In doing so we make our own future dependent on the person we tried to help.  Unfortunately, once they have what they wanted, many people forget about paying for it.  Many times that is why they are behind on their bills or need a cosigner. 

If you have placed your own future at risk to help someone else, Solomon says you need to go and make sure he will keep his promise to pay.  It may be embarrassing, but until the bill is paid you better keep on their case because it is your future at stake, whether they realize it or not.  You walked into a trap, and it is up to you to get yourself out.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.  How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?  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.” (Proverbs 6:6-11)

We can learn a lot from nature, and ants set a good exam[;e.  Though they don’t have a boss or mate or ruler to tell them what to do, they spend the summer working to store up food for the winter.  Because they do the ant colony survives the winter without much difficulty while many other insects die of starvation.   Just a little being lazy, not taking care of business will lead to poverty and need as surely as someone travelling down the same road will get to the same place or as an armed man will take what he wants.  The only way to avoid poverty and need is to get out and work when you can.

“A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.  He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.  Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.” (Proverbs 6:12-15)

The old meaning of the word naughty was of a person who is deliberately doing what they know is wrong, like a child pushing to see how much they can get by with.  They deliberately distort the truth, trying to deceive by winking, feinting with his feet and slipping his fingers where they don’t belong.  He is deliberately doing wrong and is constantly dreaming up ways of cheating or stirring up trouble.  It is impossible to live such a lifestyle without making enemies and sooner or later he will have to face the consequences. 

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

There are a few things God just cannot stand.  He cannot stand a person who considers themselves better and smarter than other people.  He cannot stand somebody who habitually lies.  He can’t stand people who have no regard for human life and are willing to kill or have others killed to accomplish their goals.

God hates and cannot stand a person who spends their time dreaming up ways to take advantage of or destroy other people.  People who deliberately look for opportunities to do wrong make God sick.  He hates people who spread malicious gossip and make up stories about other people, and he hates those who deliberately stir up conflicts. 

“My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.  When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.” (Proverbs 6:20-22)

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.  Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.  For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.” (Proverbs 6:20-26)

If a person learns what his parents tried to teach him and their rules and standards and tries to apply them consistently, they will influence his activities when he tries to accomplish something, and what he dreams about.  When he is awake it will give him something to think about.  It shed light on different situations making him aware, for example, of the dangers of messing around with somebody he isn’t married to. 

She may be very attractive and exciting and her talk makes him feel so important, but such women often ends up costing a man everything he has, so that he is lucky even to have a piece of bread to eat.  A person who cheats on their mate trying to find happiness will never find it, but they leave a trail of broken hearts and messed up lives behind them.

“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?  Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?  So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.” (Proverbs 6:27-29)

Just as a person cannot wrap up a fire in his clothes and carry it with him or walk barefoot through burning coals without getting burned, a person cannot mess around with somebody else’s wife without it affecting them, and like the person who picked up the fire or walked in the coals, it is their own fault.  They were not forced to go along.

“Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.  But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.  A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.  For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.  He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.” (Proverbs 6:30-35)

A thief who steals when he is hungry can be excused and forgiven for stealing, but he is still required to pay back everything he took, with interest.  A thief who just steals because he can is inexcusable.  Sex is not essential to life like food is, and stealing it from another person is inexcusable.  It destroys the soul, of the person who commit adultery, leaving him with a burden of guilt.  It also destroys his reputation among those around him and often leads to physical fights or killings. 

Jealousy causes people to hold grudges for very long times, waiting for a chance to get even, and no amount of restitution will completely take away anger and sense of betrayal.  Messing around is pretty dumb.

Avoid Sexual Entanglements

Proverbs 5:1-23

“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1-2)

Solomon had observed and experienced a lot of things.  He advised his readers to learn take advantage of what he had learned so they could make wise decisions, not falling for tricks or making foolish statements they would regret later.  One area of particular concern was sexual relationships.

“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.  Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.” (Proverbs 5:3-6)

An unfamiliar man or woman can seem like the dream mate.  It is so pleasant to listen to someone who is so impressed by ones appearance or strength that everything they say seems wonderful.  Their reasons for breaking up with their previous boyfriend or girlfriend or mate makes it clear how mistreated they were. 

Unfortunately, there is always more to the story than you were told.  The breakup was probably at least partly his or her fault, and if you get involved you will find out about the real story the hard way, trying to deal with the same thing the previous person dealt with.  The reason they separated is probably because they were unwilling to make any changes in their behavior.  As they get older they become even less willing to change.  

Besides forcing one to live with those things another found so objectionable, getting involved with such a person leads to sexual sin resulting in jealousy by previous lovers, and occasional physical attacks and attempts to kill one.  In addition it brings the judgment of God on the person for his sin. 

To keep one from finding out the truth, this person will change their behavior and stories.  Only after getting involved do they show what they are really like. 

“Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.  Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!  I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.” (Proverbs 5:7-14)

By avoiding entanglement with a person one doesn’t know, it is possible to escape a lot of problems.  To get involved may result in loss of respect by others or a relationship with your family, or in a lifetime of being controlled by someone who doesn’t care about you.  It may result in the loss of everything you have earned trying to keep them happy or to settle after a divorce or breakup.  The constant squabbling and emotional stress can destroy one’s physical and emotional health.

Ultimately you will find yourself wishing you had listened to those who tried to warn you about promiscuous relationships.  You will regret the effect it has had on your life and realize how far it has taken you from where you wanted to be.

“Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.  Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.  Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.  Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.” (Proverbs 5:15-19)

Instead of running after somebody new, learn to be satisfied with what you already have.  Let your relationship with the mate you already have so others are less tempted to come onto you.  If a man or woman cheated on their first husband or wife, what makes you think they won’t cheat on you?  Do you really want to share them? 

While your relationship may not be perfect, if you are willing, both can learn to enjoy it and be satisfied.  The best relationships are the result of learning to accept and enjoy each other.  There are no perfect people out there, and looking for a perfect relationship will keep you from ever having a good one.

“And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?  For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.  His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.  He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” (Proverbs 5:20-23)

Knowing there are no perfect relationships, why would a person waste their time looking for one?  Especially since we know that God will judge every person, and he knows exactly what they have done.  Their own actions are the cause of most of people’s problems.  A person who doesn’t learn will die spiritually and emotionally, going into ever worse problems as a result of his refusal to learn.   

Living a Consistently Good Life

Proverbs 4:1-27

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.  For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.  For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.  Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.  Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.” (Proverbs 4:1-6)

Solomon was the only surviving son of David and Bathsheba and was younger than many of David’s other children.  As a result, he had received special treatment and love from both parents, and had been specially groomed to be the next king by David.  As a result, when God offered Solomon anything he wanted, he asked for the wisdom to properly lead Israel in II Chronicles 1:10-11.   It is that teaching by David that Solomon wants to pass along to his son about the importance of making wise decisions. 

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.  She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” (Proverbs 4:7-9)

Of all the things a person can obtain, wisdom is the most valuable, but its value is limited by the information it has to work with.  If a person will focus on understanding the principles of how things work and how to apply them, his advice will be sought and he will receive the respect of those around him.   

“Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.  I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.  When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.  Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” (Proverbs 4:10-13)

The starting place to get wisdom is with one’s parents or other teachers.  By examining the results of their lives and following the things that have worked well, one can confidently approach life without fear of making a mess of things.  He will not have to take a tiny step and wait to see what happens before taking another one. 

I have no idea where it originated, but there is an old saying that when a person stops learning, he is dead, even though it may take a while for him to figure it out.    Solomon says that one’s life depends on the things he learns so he should learn as much as he can. 

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.  For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.  For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” (Proverbs 4:14-17)

There is a tendency to adopt the standards of those around us, and once a standard has been broken it is far easier to do it again.  The best way to prevent an unacceptable action from becoming a habit is to never start.  The wicked devote their energies to doing things to cause others difficulties and hurt, basing their own importance on their ability to affect and control other people.  They take pleasure in being able to bully or physically hurt someone and are disliked and avoided by most people. 

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.  The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18-19)

People who are fair and treat others well are like bright light that penetrates to the darkest corners, making everything better around them.  Wicked people are like a black hole, sucking all the pleasure from the world around them, to the point where they don’t understand that most of their problems are the result of their actions and attitudes.

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.  For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:20-23)

By remembering and practicing the things Solomon is teaching a person can ensure the most satisfactory and healthy life possible.  Gaining control of one’s attitude is crucial because it will ultimately determine most of the things that one does and how he reacts to things around him.  In Luke 6:45, Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” 

“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.  Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.  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 4:24-27)

One of the first indicators of and evil heart attitude is what a person says, because as the last part of Luke 6:45 says, “…of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”    An uncontrolled mouth causes constant trouble, both for its owner and for those who hear it.  The second thing to cause trouble is the failure to stay focused on what is right.  Just as a driver who isn’t paying attentionto his driving may cause an accident, a person who isn’t paying attention to what he is doing may cause himself a lot of trouble.  He needs to learn to make sure exactly what he is doing, and not be veering back and forth like a drunk driver.  

Beginning Guidelines

Proverbs 3:13-35

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.  For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.  She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.  Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18)

Wisdom, or good sense produces more than any amount of money can buy, and the person who has it has reason to rejoice.  Not only will it result in good health for the man who has it, but it will enable him to gain earthly belongings and a high level of respect.  It provides a sense of confidence and competence and eliminates feelings of inferiority that cause depression for many people.

“The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.  By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” (Proverbs 3:19-20)

The world did not evolve through a series of random occurrences, but was the result of an intelligent design by God.   Reproduction of more complex life forms requires the mating of two like creatures.  Evolution would require that not just one but two of each surviving species evolve close enough to the same place that they could mate and produce offspring.   The odds against a single animal evolving as a result of random processes and surviving long enough to reproduce are astronomical, but the odds against two of them occurring in the same vicinity at the same time are beyond the realm of possibility. 

The orbits of the various planets and stars were planned to keep them in their proper places and regulate the amount of heat and light received so that things neither burned up nor froze.   Earthquakes and volcanoes constantly release nutrients into the ocean to be utilized by plankton and other sea plants, or are released into the atmosphere to be used by the land plants.  The clouds carry moisture inland where it condenses and waters the land plants, enabling them to grow and produce food for the animals.  It is a very carefully designed system.  It took a great deal of wisdom to create a functional world.

 “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.  Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.  When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:21-24)

Like muscular development or various skills, wisdom and discretion or discernment fade unless they are used and practiced frequently.  If they are practiced regularly, they will keep us from making missteps or self-destructive behavior.  They will eliminate worries and sleepless nights, leaving one at peace with himself and his surroundings.   With that in mind, Solomon lays out individual proverbs or advice to practice.

“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:25-26)

When others suffer the consequences of their actions the wise person has no reason to fear or worry because he has not done the same things.  Instead, he should trust God to protect him from the consequences of other people’s sin. 

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.  Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” (Proverbs 3:27-28)

Don’t let concerns about what might happen in the future keep you from doing what you should at the present time.  If you owe somebody something, pay what you can without quibbling or stalling for time.  It is rightfully their money.  Give it to them. 

“Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.  Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.” (Proverbs 3:29-30)

Don’t take unfair advantage of your neighbor’s trust, and don’t start fights with people who have not done you wrong. 

“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.  For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.  The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.  Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.  The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” (Proverbs 3:31-35)

Don’t even think about copying the guy who takes advantage of other people.  People who refuse to follow the rules are an abomination that makes God sick and he puts a curse on them.  He blesses those who do what is right.  He despises those who are arrogant and think they are better, but encourages those who are not so proud.  Those who are wise and recognize God’s authority but fools who think they are so great will embarrassed when the time comes.  

The Benefits Of A Proper Lifestyle

Proverbs 3:1-12

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:1-4)

Solomon had researched many subjects in life, including the results of different lifestyles.  He discovered that certain behaviors consistently produced long, healthy and happy lives and he is going to share them with his son.  If his son or other readers will follow his advice, making it an integral part of their life and attitude, they will not only have long healthy lives, they will have a good relationship with those around them and with God. 

Over the years, I have been amazed at the number of people who have taken advantage of others but are upset that those others want nothing to do with them.  In Proverbs 16:7, Solomon said, “When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  When we are doing what is right, even those who hate us have no reason to attack.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)

There is a common attitude that we are smarter and more sophisticated today and the old fashioned standards and ideas no longer apply.  Solomon warns not to develop that attitude.  If instead we learn to obey what God tells us, we will avoid most of the problems others experience, literally being both healthier and happier than others. 

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Many people think that they have earned everything the have and owe God nothing, never stopping to think that God made them able to get it, providing the necessary intelligence and physical abilities, as well as making it available.   I Corinthians 4:7 asks, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”  If God didn’t provide the raw materials and establish the scientific principles that govern how things work, we would be unable to do anything.  Solomon says the way we use what he has given us ought to show respect for his provision.

One way of doing that is found in Malachi 3:10-11.  “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.”  People who appreciate his gifts will be blessed with more.

“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Proverbs 3:11-12)

When we run into trouble as a result of actions we have taken, it is easy to blame God.  Hebrews 12:7 says that it is proof of God’s love, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”   Parents who care about their children correct them when they do wrong, using appropriate punishment to drive home the point that certain behavior will not be tolerated.  Parents who do not correct their children imply they don’t claim them as their own. 

People don’t like being corrected, but it serves an important purpose according to Hebrews 12:11.  “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”  Unpleasant as the correction may seem at the time, ultimately the corrected behavior will result in peace in our lives.

Human parents sometimes punish their children to satisfy their own convenience or desires or to vent their frustration, rather than for the child’s good.  God is always focused on what is good for the people who are being chastened, according to Hebrews 12:10.  “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”  We ought not to get upset when he prevents us from getting our way, knowing it is for our benefit.

Wisdom Is The Better Choice

Proverbs 2:1-22

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)

Several years ago, a gas station had a bear in a cage perhaps twenty feet from the building.  To get to their restrooms one had to walk around that end of the building where you could see the bear.  Some people respected the bear, being careful not to upset him and he seemed to enjoy having them talk to him.  While he drew a lot of customers, the station was unable to keep him because some people ignored the potential danger and warning signs and others deliberately teased or tried to humiliate him and they were afraid he would hurt somebody. 

Writing as a father instructing his son, Solomon tells his reader that if he will learn what he is trying to teach him and remember it, not just idly listening, but seriously thinking and learning as much as he can, then he will begin to understand why it matters to have a deep respectful fear of God, recognizing his power, and that he will not ignore certain kinds of behavior. 

“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.  He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.  He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.  Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.” (Proverbs 2:6-9)

Colossians 1:16 tells us God Created all things.  “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”  As the creator, he knows more about how everything works than anybody, just as the manufacturer knows more about their cars than anyone else.    He is willing to share his knowledge and wisdom with those who will learn from him. 

He will protect and care for those who come to him for guidance and listen to what he teaches.  At the same time they learn how to do what is right in every situation, and how to have good judgment in different situations, understanding what is truly equitable or fair.  They will learn how to identify the good in every situation.

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.  For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.  None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.” (Proverbs 2:10-19)

When a person develops some wisdom and they begin to enjoy learning things, they begin to make wise choices that keep them from getting into trouble.  They begin to recognize when a wicked person’s lies don’t make sense, when he is deliberately ignoring what is right and choosing to do wrong, and takes pleasure in being around those who do wrong.  They find a wicked persons basic dishonesty and hypocrisy unpleasant and avoid him.   That same  wisdom makes him distrust women he doesn’t know who is too gushing and flattering, who thinks her parents were too old fashioned and restrictive and that God’s standards don’t really matter. 

While the world says it is just meaningless sex and encourages people to enjoy it, Solomon says it tends to result in death.   Many people are killed as a result of jealousy who have messed around while others contact various potentially fatal diseases including hepatitis, AIDS, syphilis, and other diseases.  Once a person gets hooked sexual promiscuity, people do not stop unless something intervenes.  The tendency is continue until they die.   It is easier not to start than to stop once started.

“That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.  For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.  But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.” (Proverbs 2:20-22)

By learning what Solomon is teaching a person can live the life of a good man, doing nothing he will regret later.  God will enable him to live securely in the land without fear.  Those who do  evil things will be killed or eventually lose what they have.